Leave Them Alone! Why Stranded Baby Wild Animals Don't Need Human Help

Spring is here and in nature, that means newborn wild animals getting their first experience in the wide and wild world. So it's not unusual to see a baby bird hopping on the ground, a deer fawn lying under a tree or even a small bunny running through the yard without an Easter egg in sight.

Don't handle baby wild animals you see around your home or elsewhere. You're probably doing more harm than good, experts say.Photo byRamiro MartinezonUnsplash

We “helpful” humans think that all those situations are somehow harmful or dangerous to the small animals. But relax, enjoy the sight, and then leave the animals alone!

"If you care, leave them there," is the advice of the Wildlife Division of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources.

In many cases, the adult has either left to forage for food for the young. In other situations, it's possible the adult has simply moved away to create a distraction in order to protect their young. In most cases, it’s best to leave the animal alone. Wildlife has a much better chance at survival when they are not disturbed by humans.

When feathered baby birds are seen hopping on the ground, they may be fledglings, literally trying to earn and learn their wings. Unfeathered young birds may need some additional help. The Georgia Audubon Society publishes this chart to help decide which is the best action.

They're cute, but the best thing you can do for baby wildlife is leave them alone.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

Plus, touching wildlife may present a danger to even a helpful and well-intentioned human. "Touching wildlife can result in injury to yourself and possibly the need to euthanize the animal for rabies testing. In most cases, the best thing you can do for wildlife is to leave it alone. It is illegal to care for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in Georgia unless you have a permit from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Like humans, wildlife are susceptible to illness and disease. Many of these diseases can be shared between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans," according to Georgia DNR.

Many animal-borne diseases can be shared between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Some include rabies, mange, distemper and forms of bird flu.

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