Keep Wildlife Wild

Every year about this time the number of calls we get about orphaned animals increases dramatically. As the weather warms up and more people head outside, they may encounter a variety of newborn animals. Though young wildlife oftentimes appears to be abandoned, that’s usually not the case. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds residents that interfering with wildlife can do more harm than good.“Young animals are rarely orphaned,” said MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell. “If the young is left alone, the parent will usually return. Parents are normally out searching for food and cannot constantly attend to their offspring.”

If you'd like to read more about the MDC's recommendations for what to do when you find an orphaned animal visit the article here.