*Originally published in 2019
Updated on June 10, 2024:
Even if you have the best intentions, handling young animals does more harm than good.
It's spring (nearly summer!), and with that comes baby season! Many species of wildlife are birthing or hatching young, and we are likely to see an increase in adorable babies out and about. Each year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) receives several calls from concerned citizens who think they have found an abandoned young animal or bird.
While the agency says that these people are often well-meaning, handling these young animals can, in most cases, do more harm than good.
"Many are tempted to 'help' a young animal by picking it up or trying to feed it; however, it is critical that people understand there is no substitute for their natural parents," says the CPW.
"Our state and local park staff are working together to keep outdoor recreation opportunities available and park visitors safe," said Allison Kincaid, executive director of the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association. "We ask our outdoor community to visit Colorado parks responsibly and keep a safe distance from wildlife to avoid unforeseen injuries. During this time of physical distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope this will be the next step. Give wildlife the physical distancing they need as well."
What spurs much of our well-meaning but misguided action is when we see a young animal that appears to be all alone. Of course, we are concerned, but chances are that Mom is not too far away. The CPW says that it is quite normal for adult animals to leave young for a stretch of time in places they deem safe while they forage for food. This happens for both mammals and birds; young birds are often seen out of the nest because they are learning to fly, not abandoned. Fledgling birds are among the most common animals people think are injured or ill. In reality, they are in an important stage of development.
According to CPW officials, while our instinct is to help the little ones, or take them to a wildlife rehabilitation center, that is often the worst thing we can do.
"Baby mammals are scentless in order to prevent predators from finding them," said Janet George, senior terrestrial biologist for CPW. "When humans touch these animals, they are imparting them with a scent their adults will not recognize. This can result in true abandonment of healthy offspring."
If you are concerned that a young animal or bird may have been abandoned, there are several steps to follow before you take any action:
- Leave it where it is, and observe it for 24 hours to see if a parent comes back.
- Don't touch the animal or bird yourself.
- Call CPW, which will call in professionals to aid the animal.
"If 24 hours go by and the parent does not return, it is possible the newborn was abandoned or the parent is dead (hit by a car, for example)," said Jenny Campbell, customer service expert with CPW. "Call our office, and we will work with a certified wildlife rehabilitation center to get aid for the wildlife, if possible. Don't move the animal yourself! By allowing our wildlife to retain their natural, healthy wild instincts, we show our respect for their wild lives."
Concerned citizens are welcome to call the CPW Denver Headquarters at 303-297-1192 or any CPW office if they suspect an animal is injured or abandoned or to report incidents of feeding or other illegal wildlife activity.
