Babes in the woods best left alone

As spring arrives, activity increases for wildlife living in the Upper Delaware region. Many of us also heed the hard-to-resist temptation of balmy days as we hike and bike through the region’s forests and fields. All this outdoor activity means more potential encounters between humans and wildlife.

In most cases, this is a wonderful benefit of living here. But as the PA Game Commission (PAGC) reminds all would-be animal rescuers, “In the coming months, it will become common to find young deer, rabbits, birds, raccoons or other wildlife that may appear to be abandoned. Rest assured that in most cases, the young animal probably was not abandoned and the best thing to do is not disturb it.”

In addition to the harm that can be done to the animals, risks exist for humans and their domestic pets. The most serious of these is the potential transmission of rabies, although parasites such as fleas, ticks or lice are also threats.

In addition, the PAGC notes that it is illegal to take or possess wildlife from the wild. Under state law, the penalty for such a violation is a fine of up to $1,500 per animal.