The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding people to respect nature and leave young wildlife alone. In honor of Mother's Day, CPW is asking that young wild animals be left in their natural habitat.
Every spring, CPW wants to get the message across that it's important to give wildlife space as they become more visible in backyards, open spaces and trails.
Young wildlife found around Colorado include deer, elk, pronghorn, elk, rabbits, foxes, skunks, raccoons, bats, and birds.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
“It's normal to see a newborn fawn without its mother nearby,” said Jason Duetsch, CPW Regional Wildlife Manager. “Deer, elk, and pronghorn mothers hide their young for long periods of time while foraging. Mothers do not continue to search for missing young or reject them when they are touched, so they remove them. We have a human responsibility to keep wild animals wild and to allow them to grow naturally. ”
CPW says it receives more calls and visits to its office each year from people claiming to have “rescued” young wild animals. According to CPW, “Many people identify themselves as 'helping' by picking up young animals, taking them to CPW offices, or even taking them home and feeding them. People routinely isolate young wild animals by, in effect, abducting them from their natural environments.'' ”
CPW would like to remind people to leave their natural habitats untouched so young wildlife can grow and thrive in the wild. Disturbance by humans can stress wild animals and reduce the likelihood that females will successfully raise offspring.
Additional information from Colorado Parks and Wildlife:
How can humans help young wild animals?
• Do not feed or approach young wild animals.
• Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance.
• Be “bear aware” to reduce human-bear conflicts.
• Keep dogs on a leash on sidewalks to prevent them from chasing wild animals.
• If you see a wild animal that looks sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office and ask for guidance from a trained wildlife officer.
CPW also urges the public not to feed wild animals on trails, backyards or decks. Under Colorado law, it is illegal to feed wild animals because it endangers their health and safety. Violations can result in fines and, even worse, the animal may become ill and die.
Not only can humans harm wild animals, but wild animals can also pose a physical danger to humans. Wild animals are just that, wild and can behave in unpredictable ways. Animals such as elk, elk, and deer carry newborn calves or fawns and can become aggressive to protect their young.
Other risks from approaching or feeding young wild animals include rabies, salmonella, fleas, ticks, and any other parasites, bacteria, or viruses that may be present in or on the animal. Includes exposure to. Similarly, humans can inadvertently expose baby wild animals to human-borne diseases.
What should I do if the baby bird comes out of the nest?
Every year, people pick up baby birds, and the bird's best chance of survival is to be raised by its parents. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a serious concern for wild birds, especially waterfowl and carrion species, and also poses a potential risk to human health. Although rare, some strains of HPAI can infect humans.
• If a baby bird (eyes closed and featherless) falls from the nest where it is easily visible and safely accessible, it is safe to return the bird to the nest, but wear gloves and a mask to prevent infection. need to do it. Regarding illness between you and the bird.
• If you find a nesting bird on the ground (eyes open, feathers, and able to hop, but not fly), do not pick it up. Their parents will continue to care for them on the ground, and eventually they will be able to fly. Bring the cat indoors to prevent it from killing the bird.
• If you find a sick or dead bird, do not touch it. Contact CPW to report the bird.
Colorado has a robust wildlife ecosystem, which is a valuable reminder that humans are just part of the animal kingdom around us. If you witness dangerous human behavior, such as feeding or harassing wild animals, please report it to your local CPW office.
