‘If you care, leave them there'

It’s that time of year again when baby mammals and birds begin leaving their dens and nests. Every year, many people unknowingly upset the lives of young wildlife when they only mean to help. They take fledgling songbirds, young rabbits, fawns or other animals from the wild in a mistaken attempt to rescue them. Most of these animals and birds don’t need rescuing. Venturing out and away from their parents is a necessary, natural part of their development. It is how they learn to find food, stay away from predators and in the case of fledgling birds, fly. It can take several weeks or even months for these babies to finally be on their own with out their parents watching over them. It may appear that their parents are no where to be found, when in all actuality it is instinctive for them to stay hidden away from humans. They are usually nearby watching and waiting for you to leave so they can attend to their young. So please, unless you know that both parents are dead as in the case of a bird or the mother in the case of a mammal, please leave them alone. Watch from afar and enjoy the sighting. If you are worried your cat or dog might bother them, put your pets in the house and monitor them when they are outside. The best thing for wildlife it to remain wild and free. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Carol Linguanti Wildlife Rehabilitator Warwick