Why You Should Never Rescue Baby Animals You Find in Louisiana

While it comes from a good place in the heart, sometimes the best of intentions can bring on devastating results.

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Every year about this time, someone encounters a baby animal of some kind and feel compelled to step in and "save" this baby.  That's not the best idea.

In fact, in a recent posting to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Facebook page, reminds everyone, "If you care, leave it there." And that's in regards to the many baby animals that you might encounter over the next several weeks.

Whether in your yard, or maybe doing a little spring clipping at your favorite hunting spot, LDWF reminds us that our attempts to possibly "rescue" a small animal that we might consider abandoned by its mother could actually be anything but a "rescue.

Many of these animals aren't abandoned at all. The mother may be attempting to teach her offspring how to forage, walk, or fly. Adult animals frequently leave their young to forage for food but rarely abandon them. While it may appear that the small animal has been left alone, a mother's watchful eye may not be far away. Adult animals also try to conceal their young from humans and other animals. When humans handle or move young animals, the parent may abandon the young or may not be able to find them.

READ MORE: CWD Confirmed In Whitetail Deer In Ouachita Parish

Leave young animals alone, try not to disturb them, and let the parents care for them.

However, should you encounter an injured or orphaned animal and you believe the animal needs assistance please contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Wildlife Rehabilitators have specialized training, skills, and facilities necessary to care for injured wildlife until they can be released back into the wild.

If you are unable to find a wildlife rehabilitator to assist the animal, please leave the animal in its natural habitat. Although this may be difficult, please remember wildlife populations are regulated by both birth and death. Death is a necessary part of the process to prevent overpopulation, lack of food resources, and disease.

Should the animal you find be a baby deer (fawn) please note that Wildlife Rehabilitators are not permitted to take in white-tailed deer, so in that event, please contact your local LDWF office or 800.442.2511 for assistance.