The Environment Ministry has some advice for the spring – a time when many animals are having their young. A release from the Ministry says if you see a young animal that looks abandoned, it probably isn’t. In most cases, the best thing to do is just leave them be. Many animals leave their young for long periods while they forage for food, or to protect them from predators. The biggest danger can come from the well-intentioned who think the baby needs help, when human interference can actually greatly reduce a young animal’s chance for survival.

The advice from the Ministry is to check back to see if the animal has been in the same position for more than ten hours and whether they are covered in insects, they are vocal, or wet from the morning dew. If any of those are the case, contact licensed wildlife rehabilitators, because they are the ones with the expertise on how to provide care.

Otherwise, if the animal is found in an unnatural situation, like a baby bird on a doorstep, then move the bird to the closest suitable habitat. Always call for advice before removing a young animal from the wild. If you believe an animal has been orphaned, contact your local conservation officer or the Turn in Poachers and Polluters line at 1-800-667-7561.