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Wildlife officials reminding people to leave baby animals alone

"Baby Rabbits: 11 Days Old" by Tobyotter is marked with CC BY 2.0.
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Creative Commons

Wildlife officials are reminding people to resist the urge to intervene if they find baby wildlife this spring. According to a news release, well-meaning people often put young wildlife’s health in danger when they try to rescue young rabbits, fawns, and fledgling birds thought to be abandoned. Biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Falyn Owens said young animals often spend a lot of time on their own. When the mother returns, often hours later, she expects to find her young where she left them. Removing most animals from the wild is also illegal. Owens says people should contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice if they find an animal that needs help.