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DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Help Keep Wildlife and
People Safe: If You Care, Leave It There
Published: May 30, 2026 at
12:30 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Reminds New Yorkers 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
The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds New Yorkers to
appreciate wildlife from a safe distance and resist the urge to touch or
move young wildlife. As weather warms and seasons shift, sightings of
wildlife are more common. Fawns, baby birds, and other young wildlife may
seem abandoned, but their parents are often close by, and well-intentioned
interference can pose risks to the animals and humans.
“With spring well
underway, young wildlife is beginning to reappear in backyards,
neighborhoods, and parks,” said DEC 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 the
animals 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.
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.
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.
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.” DEC’s
Wildlife Health Program monitors 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. It is illegal to keep wildlife as pets. Wild animals are not well suited for life in
captivity and may carry diseases that can be given to people.
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 animals
and people. 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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