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WILDLIFE OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE WELL MEANING CITIZENS
TO THINK BEFORE THEY ACT

AKRON, OH –  Wildlife reproduction in Ohio will soon be at its peak according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Many well meaning people will attempt to save young animals, putting both themselves and the animal at risk.

 “You may have the good fortune to observe a young animal in a nest during the next few weeks and it is likely no adult will be in sight,” said Scott Peters, assistant supervisor of wildlife management in northeast Ohio.  Wildlife watchers should enjoy the scene, but unless something appears to be amiss such as a bird nest has fallen from a tree or obvious wounds, leave the animal alone. “Wildlife parents are very devoted to their young but must often leave to feed and cannot be in two places at once. Only in the result of injury or death to a parent will young be abandoned,” explained Peters. “Additionally, wildlife can carry parasites and diseases that can harm humans,” noted Peters.  Humans are always a young wild animals LAST hope for survival, NEVER its best hope. A young animal should only be removed from the wild after all avenues to reunite it with an adult animal have been explored.

Whitetail deer are a good example.  Once the mother gives birth to her fawn(s), she will find a secluded spot to hide the youngster for the day. This helps to prevent predators like coyotes from finding the young deer. These areas may include tall grasses at the edge of a field, a flower garden in an urban backyard, or in a ditch along a roadway.  Do not disturb the fawn!  It is hiding from predators and will most likely not be found. Disturbing it will only cause it to run, possibly into traffic or in the opposite direction of where its mother is feeding.  The mother will return to check on and feed her fawn during the night, the safest time for both to be moving about.

It is illegal for anyone to possess a native wild animal unless permitted by the Division of Wildlife. Specially trained wildlife rehabilitators are legally permitted to provide care to orphaned or injured wildlife. If you are concerned about the safety of a wild animal, please contact the Division of Wildlife or your county wildlife officer before giving any direct care.  Most injured or orphaned animals require specialized care which can only be given by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  For more information, please call and request our free “Wildlife Orphans” brochure at 800-WILDLIFE or (330) 644-2293.