Orphaned, Injured, or Problem Wildlife

Wildlife encounters may take many forms. Sometimes, wildlife can seem to need our help. Other times we may need help dealing with wildlife that is no longer wild, e.g. How to Keep Bears Out of Your Yard (PDF 109 K). If you need assistance, contact your local Conservation Officer.

Orphaned animals

Most animals give birth to their young in the spring, especially during May. In the weeks that follow, people occasionally find young animals left alone and assume they have been separated from or orphaned by their mothers. With the best intentions, people often "rescue" these young.

When you encounter a young animal, please keep the following in mind:

• Do not touch or remove the young animal.
• The mother may have fled because of your presence in the area. Due to the limited mobility of her offspring, the young have remained behind. If you leave the area, the mother will likely rejoin her young.
• Always be aware that the mother could be nearby and may try to protect her young. Some species can be very aggressive in this situation!
• No, you can't keep it. Baby animals are appealing pets, but they belong in the wild and are best left alone.

Injured animals

Injured animals are stressed and may react aggressively. These situations can be dangerous.

When you encounter an injured animal, please keep the following in mind:

• Be very careful handling any wildlife. It doesn't know you are trying to help.
• Many species calm down if put in a dark area (e.g., inside a box).
• Raptors (e.g., hawks, owls) should have their talons secured to prevent them from scratching or seriously clawing you.
• Survival rates for rescued wildlife are not great. Don't be surprised if the animal dies on its own or is put down.
• Contact your local Conservation Officer.
• Be able to describe the location accurately; in rare cases you may be asked to return to the site with an officer.
• No, you can't keep it. Injured animals can require a high degree of specialized care and, even if they survive, rarely become the tame pets we wish to keep in our homes.

The possession of live wildlife by the general public is not legal.

Problem animals

If you are having problems with an animal on or off your property, please contact your local Conservation Officer.

See also: How to Keep Bears Out of Your Yard (PDF 109 K)