Wildlife interaction
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Keep dogs leashed and cats indoors for three days after finding a baby animal.
This gives the mother time to relocate.
one person who lived it
Hide within sight of found kittens to observe if the mother returns to move them.
Leaving the area might cause the mother to spot you and avoid the site.
one person who lived it
- Do not hover around a found baby animal while waiting for the mother.2
Call animal control if you find a groundhog away from its mother.
They should not be found alone and may need help.
one person who lived it
Call animal control if you find a squirrel or chipmunk out of its nest.
It has likely fallen and may be injured.
one person who lived it
Do not feed wild animals.
Feeding causes them to lose their fear of humans and become dependent on people for survival.
one person who lived it
Do not take very young kittens home, as separation from their mother can be fatal.
They are too young to survive without maternal care.
one person who lived it
Do not give food or water to baby birds or injured animals unless advised by a rescue professional.
Doing so can kill them.
one person who lived it
Leave lone baby rabbits alone if the mother is not present.
The mother likely forages during the day and will return soon.
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Do not touch baby deer fawns unnecessarily.
They have almost no scent, and touching them can make them vulnerable to predators.
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Contact a wildlife rehabilitator instead of attempting to raise an injured, sick, or abandoned wild baby animal yourself.
Survival rates for self-raised animals can be very low, and keeping wild animals as pets is often illegal without permits.
one person who lived it
Be aware that feral cat colonies spread diseases and harm native wildlife.
Colonies spread diseases like FIV, feline leukemia, and toxoplasmosis; cause massive predation on native birds and animals; and create noise, smell, and waste issues.
one person who lived it