If you care, leave it there

Posted 8/21/12

RIVER VALLEY — It’s the season for spotting young wildlife, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says, “Let it be.”

From the DEC website: “People should …

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If you care, leave it there

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RIVER VALLEY — It’s the season for spotting young wildlife, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says, “Let it be.”

From the DEC website: “People should keep their distance and not disturb newborn fawns or other young wildlife as many animals are in the peak season for giving birth.

“It is not unusual to see a young bird crouched in the yard or a young rabbit in the flower garden, both apparently abandoned. Finding a fawn deer lying by itself is also fairly common. Many people assume that young wildlife found alone are helpless and need assistance for their survival; however, in nearly all cases this is a mistake and typically human interaction does more damage than good. Those that see a fawn or other newborn wildlife should enjoy their encounter but keep it brief, maintain some distance and do not attempt to touch the animal.

“Young wildlife quickly venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings. While most are learning survival from one or both parents, some normally receive little or no care. Often, wild animal parents stay away from their young when people are near. For all of these young animals, the perils of survival are a natural part of life in the wild.

“White-tail deer fawns present a good example of how human intervention with young wildlife can be problematic. Most fawns are born during late May and the first half of June. While fawns are able to walk shortly after birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still. During this period a fawn is also usually left alone by the adult female (doe) except when nursing. People occasionally find a lone fawn and mistakenly assume it has been orphaned or abandoned, which is very rare. Fawns should never be picked up. If human presence is detected by the doe, the doe may delay its next visit to nurse.”

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