NJDEP: Leave Wildlife Babies Alone

Newborn wildlife may look cute and cuddly, but the New Jersey Division of Environmental Protection is asking residents to leave them alone.

"The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife receives calls every year from well-meaning individuals who have picked up everything from baby birds to small mammals believing they have been abandoned," the NDEP stated in a release. "In most cases, these animals have not been abandoned, and are in fact being watched by a parent hidden nearby. Unless an animal is obviously injured or in distress, it should be left alone."

Wildlife babies will be more abundant in the spring and summer season. However, it is natural for many babies to be left alone for periods of time.

Picking up the animal or removing it from their home, can harm the animal instead of helping. An animal may die as a result because it is denied the critical learning experiences that will enable them to fend for themselves as they grow older.

Attempting to keep the wild animal as a pet is illegal in New Jersey.

Additionally, wild animal can become attached to the human caregiver and cause it to lose their natural instinct. There is also the added health risk for the human to get parasites such as fleas, ticks or lice or even be transmitted with rabies.

"If a healthy young animal is found, do not handle it, and keep people and pets away from it," NJDEP stated. "Staying away from the young animal reduces stress and increases the chance the mother will return to care for it."

You should call the nearest wildlife rehabilitator if an animal is found injured or orphaned.

For more information and for a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/bornwild.htm.