Don’t rush to rescue young wildlife

    When birds and mammals give birth, Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to remind citizens that newborn wildlife may be found in backyards, along roads or in open spaces. The best course of action is to leave them alone.
     Each year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife receives scores of calls from concerned humans about wildlife that has been “abandoned” by adult animals. 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.
     Wildlife experts agree that it is quite normal for adult animals to leave their young in a safe place while they go forage for food. And often baby birds are learning to fly near their nests when they are deemed “abandoned.” While well-meaning people sometimes gather up this baby wildlife and bring them to wildlife rehabilitation facilities, it is often the wrong thing to 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 or even fear. This can result in true abandonment of healthy offspring.”
     Because birds do not have a highly developed sense of smell, baby birds are a different story. They can be picked up and moved out of harm’s way or placed back in the nest if they are songbirds. However, do not try this with raptors! Great-horned owls and other raptors are territorial and have been known to fly at humans seen as a threat to their young.
     If people find young wildlife, enjoy a quick glimpse, leave the animal where it is and keep pets out of the area. Quietly observe the animal from a distance using binoculars and don’t hover so close that the wild parents are afraid to return to the area.
     “If 24 hours go by and the parent does not return, or the young animal appears sick and weak, 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 our volunteer transport teams to get animals to a certified wildlife rehabilitation center to get aid for the wildlife if possible. Don’t move the animal yourself!”

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.