04/23/2026
We know you mean well, and we love that. If you want to help wildlife babies this spring, here's what to do:
Leave them alone. Really. In most cases, the babies are just fine and under the direct care of their parents, and any "help" we try to give as humans generally greatly reduces their chances of thriving and surviving.
Wildlife parents do things differently. Rabbit and deer moms, like a lot of other mammal moms, will leave young hidden in the nest during the day while they feed or sleep before returning to check on the little ones at night.
Wildlife kids, including birds, leave the nest or den pretty early. Even then, they're still under the direct care of their parents, who are likely watching nearby and shaking their heads at their kids' questionable decisions.
We know you're still thinking, "but..." and yes, there are times when it's appropriate to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you've just witnessed the parent being hurt or killed, or you can see an animal is visibly injured, call a rehabber (don't touch the nest or animal before calling, and follow the rehabber's instructions). Remember, it's not legal to take in wildlife.
Find a licensed volunteer wildlife rehabber near you: https://bit.ly/4sN627phttps://bit.ly/4mVxxte
