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Young animals are often thought to be orphaned when found alone in the spring or summertime. However, in most cases these small animals are not orphans – their parents temporarily leave them while they go forage for food. Some species, like deer, will actually be away finding food most of the day, leaving their young hidden in a spot they think is safe for hours at a time. A mother may also run away when she senses that a human is coming so it is perfectly normal to find baby animals alone.

It is therefore important not to try to remove the baby animal unless it is facing imminent danger or is clearly injured.

You might want to wait around to make sure a parent will return. Unfortunately, this will actually do more harm than good because the parent will not return if you are present. They know you are there watching even if you think you are hidden so, while it may be difficult, you must leave. When an animal is taken into human care its chances of survival are very slim so the baby’s best chance is for you leave it completely alone.

If you do decide to remove an injured or endangered baby animal from where you found it, you will have to keep it warm. Lay it on a hot water bottle wrapped in a sock or a tshirt. Give the baby some water, using a dropper or another tool to get the water in its mouth. Consult a wildlife rehabilitator for further instructions on care and feeding. Don’t feed the animal before receiving instructions. Most human foods are unsuitable.

You may have heard that touching a baby bird will prevent a mother from accepting it again but this is not true. Except for the turkey vulture, birds do not have scent glands. The only case when you would need to touch a bird is if you cannot find its nest, it is in imminent danger, and if it is injured. If this is the case, gently put the bird in a box and take it to a wildlife rehabilitator. Remember that fledglings learn how to fly by being on the ground so be certain that it needs your help before you approach it.

When you find an adult wild animal that is injured stay back. Wildlife can be very dangerous so it is imperative that you keep a safe distance from the animal. Don’t try to handle or move the animal in any case. After making sure that the animal is out of danger, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately and stay with the animal until help arrives.