This is the time of year when we might be seeing a variety of baby animals in the wild, from wobbly looking fawns to newly hatched chicks. To ensure the safety of both the animals and neighboring humans, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos issued a statement reminding New Yorkers to appreciate wildlife from a safe distance and resist the urge to touch or pick up newborn fawns and other young wildlife. Human contact with wildlife can result in unintended consequences detrimental to the animals people intend to help.

“This is the time of year New Yorkers are more likely to see young or newborn animals in their yards and mistakenly think these animals need help,” Seggos said. "The recently fledged birds or baby rabbits in your yard likely have parents hiding nearby keeping an eye on their offspring. Please resist the urge to touch these wild animals and instead enjoy the encounter from a safe distance. Remember — if you care, leave it there."

The DEC noted that animal sightings and encounters are common during this time of year. “While most young wildlife learn survival skills from one or both parents, some receive little or no care. Often, wild animals stay away from their young, especially when people or pets are present. For these young animals, the perils of survival are a natural part of life in the wild. Unfortunately, well-intentioned individuals may attempt to care for young wild animals they believe to be abandoned or in need of assistance. These human interactions typically do more harm than good.”

The DEC gave the example of white-tailed deer fawns which are born during late May and early June. “Although fawns can walk shortly after birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still in tall grass, leaf litter, or sometimes relatively unconcealed. During this period, a fawn is usually left alone by the adult female (doe), except when nursing. People occasionally find a lone fawn and mistakenly assume it has been abandoned, which is rare. Fawns should be left alone.”

The DEC added that people can take a photo of the wonderful glimpse of nature they may have discovered, but don’t go further and attempt to touch it or feed it. If human presence is detected by the doe, the doe may delay its next visit to nurse, and a fawn typically needs to nurse three to four times a day. While the doe will come near the fawn to nurse, she mostly keeps her distance to help reduce the chance a predator will follow her to the fawn. By the end of its second week of life, the fawn begins to move about and spend more time with the doe. It also will start to eat grass and leaves. However, fawns will still regularly nurse until they are about 10 weeks old, and they may continue to nurse occasionally into the fall.

The DEC also reminds the public that young wildlife are not pets. Keeping wildlife in captivity is illegal and harmful to the animal. Wild animals are not well-suited for life in captivity and may carry diseases that can be transferred to humans. Anyone who observes wildlife that appear to be sick or behaving abnormally should contact their DEC regional wildlife office.

Anyone that encounters a young wild animal that is obviously injured or orphaned should call a wildlife rehabilitator. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained volunteers licensed by DEC. They are the only people legally allowed to receive and treat distressed wildlife. They have the experience, expertise, and facilities to successfully treat and release wild animals.

The rule against human interaction with baby animals also applies to your pets; keep pets indoors when young animals are present.

For more information about young wildlife, visit the DEC's website: dec.ny.gov/animals/6956.html.