(UNDATED) – Spring is here and baby animals are being born across the Hoosier state. Baby rabbits, squirrels, birds, and fawns are among a few of the young animals commonly discovered this time of year.
If you find young wildlife, remember:
- Adult animals rarely abandon their young. The parent may be out searching for food. Leaving young unattended is normal for many species.
- Do not hover to see if a parent comes back. Give the baby animal space and only check back periodically. Adult animals will not return if a person is standing nearby.
- Young wildlife should not be handled. They can carry diseases or parasites and are capable of inflicting damage by biting or scratching. Human scent can also alert predators to the young animal’s presence.
While rescuing young wildlife is legal, keeping them is not. Truly orphaned or injured wild animals must be given to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator within 24 hours to maximize their chance of survival.
