Spring encounters with newborn wildlife are common; avoid disturbing them to ensure their survival
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 17, 2025) — With spring in full swing, more people are encountering young wildlife as they venture outdoors. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is reminding the public to avoid interfering with young wildlife, even if they seem to be alone. While these animals may appear vulnerable, the mother is likely nearby.
“It’s common for wildlife rehabilitators to receive animals that are thought to be orphans. In reality, they were fine before someone with good intentions stepped in, trying to help in the wrong way,” said Dr. Christine Casey, wildlife veterinarian with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.
Spring is a busy time for many species. Rabbits start nesting as early as February and continue throughout the summer, with mothers returning to the den at dawn and dusk to feed their young. Newly hatched songbirds are often seen on the ground, learning to fly. By April, mother black bears and their cubs have emerged from their dens, with cubs growing more active and exploring their surroundings. Late spring marks the peak of deer fawning season, during which fawns often stay motionless and hidden for their first month of life, only beginning to follow their mothers once they are strong enough.
“Wildlife parents will often leave their young in a safe spot while they go off to find food, sometimes even in places that are more developed because they know their offspring will be safe there. Almost always, the parent is nearby and will come back to take care of them,” Casey said.
People can help young wildlife thrive by:
- Observing them from a distance
- Securing trash cans and avoiding leaving food or other attractants outside
- Keeping children and pets away to prevent potential injury or leaving a scent trail that may attract predators
- Checking a property or site for the presence of young animals before mowing or commencing outdoor projects
Under state law, it is illegal to remove young wildlife from the wild. Only state-permitted wildlife rehabilitators can care for orphaned or injured wildlife in Kentucky. A list of approved wildlife rehabilitators, searchable by county and animal type, is available on the department’s website. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife does not accept orphaned or injured animals.
Possessing wildlife is only permitted in very limited cases and is strictly regulated by state and federal laws, both to protect wildlife populations and public health. In Kentucky, it is illegal to keep high-risk rabies carriers, such as raccoons, skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes, as pets.
These animals are common carriers of rabies, which can cause symptoms in infected individuals, such as uncoordinated movement (e.g., stumbling, falling over), excessive drooling and aggression. Rabies can be transmitted to people through bites, scratches or saliva entering the eyes, nose, mouth or open cuts. If left untreated, rabies is fatal.
If a person is bitten by a wild animal, they should immediately contact either their healthcare provider or their county public health department for guidance. To protect pets from rabies, ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and prevent contact with wildlife.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife encourages the public to report animals showing signs of rabies by calling 1-800-858-1549 or reporting observations online. For more information on caring for injured or orphaned wildlife, visit the department’s website at fw.ky.gov, and also see Leave Baby Wildlife Alone!.