Leave young animals alone, environment ministry says

Baby animals may look like they need your help, but getting close to young wildlife usually does more harm than good.

That’s the message Saskatchewan’s environment ministry is sharing this spring. According to the ministry, contact with humans can greatly reduce the chances of a young animal’s survival.

“While it may seem like the baby has been abandoned, there’s a much greater chance that the parent is either out searching for food or has been scared away by your presence,” the ministry explained in a statement. “Unless the parent is found dead near the baby, it is likely the adult will come back soon after you leave.”

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Contact with wild animals can pose a danger to humans as well, the ministry cautioned, as diseases like rabies and West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans from animals.

“Only recognized and licensed wildlife rehabilitators have the expertise to care for orphaned and injured animals safely and appropriately,” the ministry said. “That’s why it’s illegal to take wild animals home – even cute babies.”

An animal may be orphaned or abandoned if it has been in the same spot for several hours, or if it’s vocal, wet or covered in insects. But even then, the ministry said the best thing to do is contact a local conservation officer or call the province’s TIPP line at 1-800-667-7561.