If you care, leave it there: wildlife officials say “don’t touch” animals

Just about every spring, nature seemingly comes to life bringing an abundance of wild animals like fawn, foxes, or raccoons.

State agencies actually take several calls from concerned citizens about animals they believe have been abandoned. Some even go as far as to take them in. However, Aaron Balsamo, the director of the Wicomico County Humane Society, says that’s not the way to go.

He continues, “The best thing is to admire from a far.”

Like the old wildlife saying goes, *If you care, leave them there.” Even if you see a young animal, experts say most times the mother is nearby, just out of site. They may be off gathering food.

Balsamo replies, “It’s kind of the same concept as when we have a child. You put them down for a nap and you immediately you know hit the kitchen.”

While taking a young animal in may seem like the right thing to do, you could actually do more harm than good.

First, you could be putting yourself at risk of diseases like rabies, roundworm, and the West Nile Virus. State permits are also required to keep exotic animals as pets. Without the right knowledge and resources, you could hurt the wildlife.

Balsamo continues, “What happens is because they have that human scent on them, it can then attract predators and the mothers will in turn leave.”

That’s the case for a fawn. Even if the animal appears to be injured, Balsamo believes the same rules apply. Let them be.

He says, “They’re not your dog. They’re not your cat. You know they’re not domesticated animals. They belong in the wild and that’s where they need to be.”

The only time you should really report a wild animal is if you suspect them to be severely injured or a threat to your nearby area.

If you’re concerned about wildlife in your community in Maryland call 1-877-463-6497, in Delaware call 302-739-900, and in Virginia call 1-800-237-5712.