Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is advising the public to leave young wildlife untouched in their natural habitats to ensure they grow and thrive [1].
Intervention by well-meaning citizens can disrupt the critical bond between parent and offspring, potentially endangering the animal's survival. Because wildlife are not pets, professional guidance emphasizes that natural development is best achieved without human interference [2].
This guidance comes during the spring baby wildlife season, a period when many species give birth [3]. CPW officials said that mothers know how to care for their young and often leave offspring alone temporarily while foraging for food [2]. This behavior can lead passersby to mistakenly believe an animal has been abandoned [4].
Wildlife experts said against rescuing or feeding baby animals [2]. Feeding wild animals can cause digestive issues or create a dependency on humans, which reduces the animal's ability to survive on its own in the wild [2].
Experts said that baby animals left alone might not be abandoned [4]. In most cases, the mother is nearby and will return to the offspring. Moving a baby animal away from its birth site can prevent the parent from finding it, a mistake that often leads to the death of the young animal [3].
Residents are encouraged to observe wildlife from a distance and avoid the urge to "rescue" animals that appear solitary. If an animal is visibly injured or truly orphaned, CPW recommends contacting professional rehabilitators rather than attempting a home rescue [2].
“Wildlife are not pets”
The timing of this advisory aligns with the peak breeding season in the U.S. West, where increased human recreation in natural areas leads to more frequent wildlife encounters. By emphasizing the biological necessity of maternal care over human instinct to rescue, CPW aims to reduce the number of animals entering the rehabilitation system unnecessarily, which preserves wild populations and prevents the habituation of animals to humans.
