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DEC Issues Annual Spring Reminder to Help Keep
Wildlife and People Safe: If You Care, Leave It There
Published: May 13, 2025 at
05:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Issues Annual Spring Reminder to Help Keep
Wildlife and People Safe: If You Care, Leave It There
Fawns, Baby Birds, and Other Young Animals Are Rarely
Abandoned and Handling or Moving Animals Carries Risks
With spring in
full swing and young animals more visible, the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to appreciate
wildlife from a safe distance and resist the urge to touch or move young
wildlife. Fawns, baby birds, and other offspring may seem abandoned, but
their parents are often close by and
well-intentioned interference can pose risks to the animals and humans.
“Spring’s warmer
weather brings with it more sightings and encounters with wildlife,
especially young birds and other animals,” said DEC Acting
Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “While some might think these baby
animals need assistance, human interactions with wildlife typically do more
harm than good. Please remember—if you care, leave it there.”
Avoid
Interactions with Young Wildlife
Interacting with
young wildlife can be problematic for both the animal
and people. When young wildlife venture into the world, for a brief time
they may have limited ability to fly or walk on their own. While one or
both parents teach survival skills to their offspring, some young wildlife
receive little or no care. DEC reminds the public that young wild
animals like fawns and baby birds are rarely abandoned. Parents often place
their young somewhere to keep them hidden from predators while they are off
collecting food.
Bird nestlings
can have closed eyes and can be featherless, spending approximately two
weeks in the nest until they begin to outgrow the space. Once they outgrow
the nest, nestlings become fledglings, a bird with developed feathers, and
begin to flap their wings and learn how to fly. In both stages (nestlings
and fledglings) the adult birds are nearby and care for them. If a
nestling is found on the ground and cannot be easily and safely returned to
the nest, the public is advised to refrain from approaching and instead
should call a wildlife rehabilitator.
Fledglings, on
the other hand, can hop and flutter on their own, and spend short periods
out of the nest on the ground or in low branches. If a young bird is alert,
fully feathered, and moving around, people are encouraged to watch from a
distance and not intervene.
Fawns are born
during late May and early June, and although they can walk shortly after
birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still in tall
grass, leaf litter, or sometimes relatively unconcealed. During this
period, a fawn is usually left alone by the adult female (doe), except when
nursing. Fawns are vulnerable to predators during this period. If human
presence is detected by the doe, the doe may delay its next visit to
nurse.
Fawns should
never be picked up. A fawn's protective coloration and ability to remain
motionless help it avoid detection by predators
and people. By the end of a fawn's second week of life, it begins to move
about, spend more time with the doe, and eat on
its own. At about 10 weeks of age, fawns are no longer dependent on milk,
although they continue to nurse occasionally into the fall.
A Reminder
Regarding Avian Influenza
Avian influenza
is a viral disease in wild birds such as ducks and geese, gulls, raptors,
and shorebirds that is commonly called “bird flu.” With the recent
winter spike and public concern of avian influenza, the Wildlife Health
Program has been monitoring the occurrence and impact across the state. You
can report suspected avian influenza
bird mortalities to DEC. Once completed, the form will automatically be
forwarded to regional staff who will determine the best course of action to
follow. Avian influenza is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all
reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or
disposal.
The U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention states that the recent HPAI detections
in birds pose a low risk to the public. People should
minimize contact between wild birds, especially waterfowl, and domestic
animals to reduce animal and human health risks.
Sick or Injured
Animals
Anyone who
encounters a wild animal that is injured or obviously orphaned should call
a trained and DEC-licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Licensed wildlife
rehabilitators are the only people legally allowed to receive and treat
distressed wildlife, and have the experience, expertise, and facilities to
successfully treat and release wild animals.
Additionally, the
public should note the increased risk of rabies in mammals and are
reminded not to handle species like skunk, foxes, raccoons, or bats
directly. Anyone who observes wildlife that appears to be behaving
abnormally should contact their closest DEC regional
wildlife office or an Environmental Conservation Police
Officer. For more information on wildlife health,
visit DEC’s webpage.
Additionally, DEC
reminds the public that young wildlife are not pets. Keeping wildlife in
captivity without authorization from DEC is illegal and harmful to the
animal. Wild animals are not well-suited to life in captivity and may carry
diseases that can be transferred to humans. DEC also advises the public to
keep domestic pets indoors when young wild animals are present. Many
fledgling birds cannot fly well when they first leave the nest and are easy
prey for house cats.
Most people have
the best intentions when they find wild animals, but if a fawn, baby bird,
or other young wildlife is found, please remember, “If You Care,
Leave It There.”
For more information and answers to
frequently asked questions about young wildlife, visit DEC’s website.
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