Spring and summer are a busy time, not only for people but for animals too. Many animals are setting up territories, building nests and finding den sites to give birth and raise their young. Now that people are also more active and spending more time outdoors, the chances are greater that someone may come across a young bird or mammal which may appear to be orphaned or injured.

Any young fawn found alone is probably not abandoned. For the first several days after birth, fawns instinctively freeze and will lie motionless when approached, thereby making them easy to handle.

"Keep in mind that although it may seem natural to want to provide young, distressed mammals with care, keeping them may actually do more harm than good," said Laurie Fortin, a Wildlife Technician for the DEP Wildlife Division. Direct contact may also result in a potentially deadly situation if you expose yourself to infectious diseases such as rabies. Be aware that even a young animal can carry and transfer the rabies virus in its saliva.

"In situations where baby and young animals are found it is important to keep in mind that the adult is probably nearby watching and will not return until the 'intruder' leaves. Many animals leave their young alone while they are out foraging for food," explained Howard Kilpatrick, a Deer/Turkey Program Biologist for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Wildlife Division. This is especially true of fawn deer. Female deer only feed their fawns three or four times a day for a period of 15 minutes each time. Any young fawn found alone is probably not abandoned. For the first several days after birth, fawns instinctively freeze and will lie motionless when approached, thereby making them easy to handle. "It's best not to touch the fawn, but rather monitor it from a distance for a period of at least 24 hours to determine whether the adult is still returning for feedings," said Kilpatrick.
Many people find young birds hopping around the yard. Most of these birds are old enough to leave the nest but are still not efficient flyers. If you do find a bird unable to fly, you should:

• If a bird is fully feathered, it is best to leave it where it was found. The adults are still coming around to feed the bird and it should be capable of flying within a few days;
• If nestlings that are found appear to be unfeathered, look for a nest;
• If a nest is in a nearby tree put the birds back in it.
• If the nest has fallen on the ground, make a new nest with a wicker basket and hang the basket and nestlings in a nearby tree or shrub.

The adults will not detect your presence (most birds have no sense of smell) and they will usually continue to feed their chirping nestlings if they can find them.

It is illegal to keep wild animals as pets and raising wildlife for return to the environment requires considerable knowledge of appropriate feeding formulas, hours of care and sufficient facilities in addition to state and federal permits. Improper care results in underweight and undernourished animals that may not be releasable, especially if they are too accustomed to being around people.
If you do find an animal that is definitely injured or orphaned you should:

• Avoid any direct contact with it;
• Keep it away from pets and children;
• Use heavy gloves to transfer it to a cardboard box or escape-proof container;
• Try to keep it in a warm, dark, quiet place;
• Contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator.

There are approximately 200 volunteer rehabilitators with the appropriate skills, training and state authorization to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. To obtain the names of wildlife rehabilitators in your area, contact your local nature center, or the Wildlife Division at (860) 424-3011, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., or DEP Emergency Dispatch, at (860) 424-3333 (after hours or on weekends). Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a wildlife rehabilitator should contact Laurie Fortin of the Wildlife Division at (860)424-3011.