Officials remind Pennsylvanians to leave young wildlife alone
(WHTM)– As the weather is warming up and summer draws near, officials are reminding Pennsylvanians if they see any young wild animals that appear to be by themselves to just leave them alone.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission says that even though young animals may appear to be abandoned, they aren’t, and their mothers are likely keeping an eye on them somewhere close.
“Well-intentioned people might step in to help a young animal that appears to be alone, not realizing its mother is nearby and it’s not in need of help,” the Game Commission’s wildlife management director Matthew Schnupp said. “That’s one reason why leaving young wildlife undisturbed in the wild typically is the best solution when encountering young wild animals.”
Pennsylvania man catches ‘once in a lifetime fish’ in the Susquehanna River
It can actually be very harmful to young wildlife if humans come in contact with them.
The Game Commission says wild animals can lose their natural fear of humans which would make it very difficult for them to live normally in the wild ever again, and any wildlife possibly could carry diseases or parasites like fleas, ticks, and lice.
Most adult animals will leave their young ones behind when they go looking for food, but they don’t go far and will return. Wildlife also relies on a “hider strategy” tactic, which is when the young animals will stay motionless and “hide” in surrounding cover while the adults draw the attention of possible predators and intruders away.
For example, deer will use that strategy and fawns are assumed to be abandoned when their mothers are actually close by, the Game Commission says.
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
This Week in Pennsylvania
It is also illegal for wildlife to be taken into captivity; violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,500 per animal.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
