As Missouri families head outdoors to enjoy the beauty of summer, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding everyone to appreciate wildlife from a distance and keep wild animals wild.
With warmer weather, you may encounter young wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, baby birds, rabbits, and other animals that may appear to be orphaned or abandoned.
More Harm
Although people may think helping an animal that’s alone will help the animal, most times it causes more harm. Most of the time, the mother is close by waiting for the human to leave.
Disrupting Behavior
MDC reminds the public that picking up, feeding, or attempting to care for wild animals disrupts their natural behaviors and may violate state wildlife laws. Wild animals can also carry diseases and parasites that may be transferred to you or to pets.
Observe
MDC recommends observing wildlife from afar, since wild animals can become dangerous as they mature. Although it is tempting to take them into homes, the best help people can offer wild animals is to leave them alone. It’s also best to secure trash and avoid feeding wildlife.
Leave Them Wild
If you encounter wildlife that may be injured or truly orphaned, contact your local MDC office before taking any action.
“We can all help conserve Missouri’s wildlife by keeping wild animals wild,” added Pierce. “By not feeding wildlife intentionally or inadvertently and observing wildlife from a safe distance.” [1]
