Spring In ND Brings Wildlife And Important Care Tips

Spring offers more interactions with newborn wildlife in parks, backyards, and homes as temperatures rise and the natural world comes alive.

From deer fawns and newborn squirrels to nestling birds, the public is more often seen young animals during this season. Although these encounters may seem to point to abandonment or suffering, most times wildlife experts advise against quick intervention.

Wild Baby Animals: Not Always In Need of Rescue

It's common to find young wild animals alone, particularly in the spring and early summer. Experts point out that a species' typical life cycle often includes such activity. For instance, while their mothers graze nearby, deer fawns often remain concealed in tall grass. Likewise, young birds usually spend their learning-to-fly period on the ground.

Interference with these species can lower their survival odds. Well-meaning efforts to "rescue" animals could take them from crucial parental care or cause needless stress. Generally speaking, wildlife should be left undisturbed unless there is obvious damage or known orphaning resulting from human activity—such as window strikes, vehicle crashes, or assaults by domestic pets.

When Intervention Is Appropriate, Wildlife Rehabilitators Should Be Called

Calling a professional wildlife rehabilitator is the most responsible line of action when a wild animal shows injuries, orphaned behavior, or immediate danger. Licensed experts have legal authority, tools, and training to care for abandoned or injured animals.

Those without this expertise are urged not to try care on their own since inappropriate handling and feeding can cause more damage than benefit.

Regional animal shelters, veterinarians, humane societies, or wildlife agencies may be able to provide advice or referrals in the absence of a local rehabilitator.

Guidance Specifically Designed for a Species:

Birds: Found on the ground, nestlings—featherless or downy baby birds—should be returned to their nests. Usually under the supervision of their parents, even on the ground, fully feathered flying birds are known as fledglings. Unless the bird is discovered in a dangerous area, such as a street, human intervention is rarely required.

These precocious species, ducks and geese, have young that are mobile and feed alone soon after hatching. Lone ducklings or goslings should be referred to a rehabilitator; they should not be restored to nests.

Lone fawns and concealed rabbit kits are not usually orphans. These creatures are left alone for extended lengths of time naturally. Viewers are urged to keep their distance and avoid disturbance by kids or dogs.

Babies discovered on the ground with closed eyelids or limited mobility most certainly have parted from their mother. Under these circumstances, one should make quick contact with a rehabilitator.

Reptiles: Independent from birth are hatchlings of lizards, turtles, and snakes. Unless they are in urgent danger—like crossing a road—they should not be relocated. Professionals should handle disturbed nests of reptile eggs exclusively since inappropriate movement could harm the growing embryos.

Contact with bigger animals like bats, raccoons, or foxes is highly discouraged because of the hazards of disease and injury.

Warnings Against Domestication

Although many people may strongly desire to keep wild animals as pets, wildlife specialists warn that these activities are not only destructive but also often illegal. Best equipped for survival in their natural environments, wild animals play significant ecological roles.

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Baby wildlife will become more and more frequent as spring carries on. Observers are reminded that in most cases, watching from a distance is the best and safest way to appreciate these seasonal visitors.