Young animals rarely abandoned by parents, officials warn people to leave them alone

PHOENIX — There will be an increase in newborn wildlife throughout Arizona as the spring season begins, and Arizona wildlife officials are asking for those young animals to be left alone.

While it may be hard to resist wanting to save baby wildlife, oftentimes their parents are just waiting for “perceived predators (like dogs, cats or humans)” to leave before they return to care for their offspring, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) said in a press release.

In fact, young animals — like elk calves and deer fawns — may have to be euthanized if they are removed from their natural habitat because they cannot return to the wild.

Newly hatched birds and baby rabbits are common young animals people often think have been abandoned by their parents. While wildlife officials advise against attempting to rescue the newborn animals, baby birds can be safely returned to their nests.

“Adult birds will still care for their young if they fall out of the nest too soon,” AZGFD Urban Wildlife Specialist Darren Julian said. “If you happen to see a flightless baby bird on the ground and are concerned for its safety, it is okay to put it back in the nest if you can safely do so.”

Julian also gave homeowners with pools something to look out for that could help save young ducklings.

“Mallard ducks will nest in your backyard and newly hatched ducklings will head straight to the pool,” Julian said. “Please provide a way for the young ones to get out of the water if they are unable to make the jump out of the water. Also, leave a gate open temporarily so that the adult female duck can guide them to the nearest open waterway to feed.”

If you do come across young wildlife that appears to need care, whether it be sick, injured, lethargic, unresponsive, has been attacked by another animal or its parent is dead, officials say to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

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