Wildlife Officials Encourage People Not To Pick Up Young Animals

AKRON, OH – The ODNR Division of Wildlife has some very strong advice for well-meaning people who pick up baby or injured wild animals.  Please leave them alone! Fascination with cute, seemingly helpless animals causes even the most reasonable person to forget that it is a wild animal capable of biting, scratching, and transmitting diseases and parasites to humans and pets.

State and federal laws protect and regulate wildlife and endangered species in Ohio.  Only persons under special permits issued by the Division of Wildlife may possess and care for native wild animals.  

“When a biologist or officer receives a call regarding a seemingly abandoned fawn for example, the first thing they suggest is to take the animal back to where it was found,” stated Scott Peters, assistant wildlife management supervisor for northeast Ohio.  “Many wild animals are raised by only one adult or are not tended to during the daylight hours.  A doe will hide her young from predators by leaving it alone in a secluded spot, such as a grassy meadow or a flower bed.  A hidden fawn has virtually no scent and when left alone is difficult for predators to find.  The doe tends to the fawn several times each night,” continued Peters. 

While handling wild animals is discouraged for human safety as well as safety for the wild animal, it is better to place a young bird back into its nest than to take it inside and attempt to care for it. For most animals, though, leave them untouched. 

Along with the warning to avoid contact with wild animals, the Division of Wildlife offers the following advice:

• Think before you act.  Check for nests before cutting down trees or clearing brush.  It is best to cut trees and clear brush in the autumn when nesting season is over.
• Leave the animal in the wild.  If you disturb a nest, replace the animals and the nest material to the original location or as close as possible.  If you find a fawn, leave it where you find it.  The mother has likely hidden it there and will be returning to feed it.
• Keep pets under control so they do not raid nests and injure wild animals.  Keep pets inoculated against parasites and diseases.
• Educate children to respect wildlife and their habitat.  Emphasize to your children not to handle wild animals. 
• Contact your local wildlife officer or wildlife district office before taking action.  Trust and follow the advice of these trained professionals. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE to be connected with the proper individuals.