MDC Urges Public to Leave Wildlife Wild

As you start to head outside to enjoy the longer days and warmer weather this spring, you may see newborn animals.

The young ones may look abandoned, but that’s usually not the case.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missourians that interfering with wildlife does more harm than good.

MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell explained that it’s rare for young animals to be orphaned.

Despite popular opinion, wildlife mothers do not abandon their young because of a human scent, and most newborn animals do not survive in captivity.

Russell cautioned wildlife might become dangerous as they mature.

They can also carry parasites or diseases and have the potential to damage property.

It can be tempting to welcome wildlife into homes, but the best help people can offer them is to leave them be.