Baby animals left alone might not be abandoned -- what you should (and shouldn’t) do if you see one

The end of spring means baby wildlife season is here, here’s what you should and shouldn’t do.

Shouldn’t dos, and why

If you come across baby animals like fawns, bunnies or birds, the best thing you can do is leave them where they are.

• Animals like rabbits and fawns are often left alone for hours while their mothers look for food. This is normal and expected behavior.
• The babies are born without a scent, so it’s difficult for predators to find them.
• If moms (or people) hang around too much, their scent can attract predators to the babies.

You can remove a nest only if there are no eggs in it.

• Birds build their nests in all kinds of places, and once in a while, that causes a problem – if a nest is above the door to your house, for example.
• Birds and their eggs are protected by state and federal laws and must be left alone.
• Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to destroy, touch, move or possess active nests with eggs or chicks without a permit.

Should dos, and why

Prevent birds from nesting in problem areas.

• You can block a potential nesting location with physical barriers, fake owls or streamers before egg-laying begins.
• Many wild animals have adapted to live in urban and suburban areas and often nest near homes and businesses.
• Locations are carefully chosen for safety, proximity to humans can prevent other predators from finding the nests.

If you find an active nest near your home, be a good neighbor: Leave it alone and keep pets and children away.

• Baby birds sometimes fall from their nests while learning to fly, but their parents will continue to feed and care for them even when they are on the ground.
• A baby bird on its own is not abandoned; the parents will be back.
• If you move the fledgling bird, the parents may not be able to find it again.
• Baby birds have the best chance for survival in their habitat and learn how to survive in the wild by exploring on their own.
• We can help by giving them space to spread their wings.

Unless an animal is clearly injured or in immediate danger, keep your distance so the parent feels safe enough to return.

Use binoculars or the zoom function of a camera to enjoy baby animal season and the view while keeping wildlife wild.