Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
For more information:  Mike Apland, 394-2391

YOUNG ANIMALS ALONE, NOT ABANDONED

PIERRE – Good intentions can create great harm when it comes to picking up seemingly abandoned, orphaned or otherwise misplaced young wildlife.

"A person may think the rescue of a baby wild animal is helpful or humane, but many times it creates more problems and maybe even a death sentence for the young one," said Game, Fish and Parks Conservation Officer Mike Apland of Spearfish.

Parent wild animals frequently part from their offspring when foraging for food, but rarely will they abandon their young. "When leaving to look for food, animals attempt to conceal their young from humans and other animals in order to protect them," Apland said. "If people handle or move young animals, the likelihood that the parents may abandon them or be unable to find them increases."

Apland’s best advice to people is to leave young animals where they find them. "Should anyone discover a nest of young animals such as birds or rabbits, disturb them as little as possible and allow the adults to care for them," he said. If young birds have fallen from a nest, Apland recommends gently returning them to their nest and staying clear of the area.

Wild young animals many times appear harmless, however, they can bite or scratch anyone attempting to handle them. They may also attempt to protect themselves if cornered and are unable to flee from an area.

Occasionally, people attempt to adopt wild young animals as pets. However, as these animals grow older, they are driven by their instincts and can become aggressive and territorial. They can even damage homes or endanger the people caring for them. Additionally, animals raised by humans lack survival skills to find food and shelter on their own or to compete with other animals for food and shelter. Consequently, these animals are unable to survive on their own if released.

Possessing wild animals without a permit is against state law. Certain species, like migratory birds, are protected under federal law.

If anyone encounters an injured animal or a young, wild animal next to its dead mother, contact the nearest Game, Fish and Parks office or local conservation officer.

-30-