Creature Feature – Oh, Baby!

The spring and summer seasons are burgeoning with life as newborn creatures enter the world.  Some wildlife babies receive care from two parents –others just one.  Some youngsters get little or no parental care at all.  It’s not unusual to see wildlife babies all alone.  This doesn’t mean they’ve been orphaned or abandoned.  In fact, many species leave their offspring unattended for extended periods of time each day which helps prevent predators from finding the wee ones.  Every year, well intentioned people “rescue” baby animals they find alone, when in fact they’re kidnapping them.  Sadly, most of these babies will die due to stress or improper care.  Understanding animal behaviors helps us avoid unnecessary tragedy.  Newborn fawns are left all alone except to nurse a few times a day… mother rabbits only return to their young in the nest twice daily…fox kits hang around the den site waiting for their parents to return with food…and those clumsy fledgling birds, calling pathetically from the ground, are still receiving parental care.  Despite the urge to intervene or get closer, leave the babies alone and keep kids and pets away.  Remember:  if you care, leave them there.  For sick or injured wildlife, contact the regional DEC wildlife office at (607) 753-3095, or search dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/sls_searches/index.cfm?p=live_rehab  to locate a wildlife rehabilitator near you.

Article & Photo by Margie Manthey