Here’s why you should ‘leave wildlife alone’ this spring, according to MS wildlife experts
Spring is here and it is a time of sunshine, outdoor fun and growth.
From the flowers to the weather and even the wildlife, Mississippi is the place to be during spring.
With more outdoor fun comes frequent run-ins with creatures all around and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks has a warning for residents.
“Mississippi law prohibits the capture, possession, or caging of any wild animal, including white-tailed deer fawns, squirrels, and birds. In cases such as young birds or squirrels being blown out of nests during summer storms, often adult animals will find young and continue to care for them,” said the MDWFP.
Amy Blaylock, director of the Wildlife Bureau, said white-tailed deer fawns may look sick, but don’t be fooled. As a natural defense, the fawn lays so still that it makes people think it is sick or injured. But at a few weeks of age the fawn will be on its feet, able to follow its mother, and can outrun most predators.
“If someone finds a fawn in the woods, they should not touch it,” said Blaylock. “I know it can be difficult, but people should keep their distance from the fawn. The fawn has a much better chance at survival if it is left alone.”
If you see wildlife out and about, the MDWFP urges residents to leave them alone.
“Taking wildlife out of their natural environment and bringing them into your home often takes away the animal’s ability to then survive in the wild, where they belong,” explains Kaitlin Goode, wildlife biologist and program manager of the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Urban Wildlife Program.
Even young animals are well taken care of in their natural habitat and Goode said it is normal to find babies alone.
“In most instances, there is an adult animal a short distance away — even though you may not be able to see it. Adult animals, such as deer, spend most of the day away from their young to reduce the risk of a predator finding the young animal,” said Goode.
But there is something you can do to help.
After leaving the animal alone for 24 hours, go back and see if the animal is still in the same spot.
If so, contact MDWFP at 601-432-2199 to get the animal the help it needs.
