In a news release the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) reminds people to “leave young wildlife alone.” Each spring as the woods and trees green up many wildlife species give birth. The forests around us abound with new life during this time of the year.
It can be rough for the little guys trying to survive out there in the wild. There are numerous predators as well as unpredictable weather to deal with. During wet springs grouse and turkey broods can suffer due to poor nesting conditions. Research has shown that cold and wet weather during the nesting season and shortly after hatching can have negative implications for nest success and poult survival.
We as humans are also another intruder and the WVDNR recommends that you “look, but do not touch or disturb” young wildlife. Every year the WVDNR receives numerous phone calls about abandon fawns. Most of the time they aren’t abandoned at all and they’re just lying motionless as it’s their defense mechanism. While the adult doe is off feeding, fawns remain bedded until the mother returns. Their spot pattern and coloration helps keep them concealed as they remain still when a threat comes along.
Another neat thing about fawns is they have no scent. The lack of scent is another defense mechanism that makes them difficult to detect for predators. All fawns should be left undisturbed as the doe knows exactly where they’re at and will return.
The WVDNR also has a news release reminding residents that it’s illegal to put out feed for black bears in the state of WV. In most instances it can even result in death for the bear as they become a nuisance. “A fed bear is a dead bear” is a common phrase used by numerous wildlife agencies all over the country. So don’t feed the bears and if you’re putting feed out for deer during hunting season and a bear starts using it, you are not allowed to shoot that particular bear because you are hunting over bait according to West Virginia state law.
The WVDNR reminds people that they should never attempt to catch and keep young wildlife. It’s against the law and there are regulations that prohibit the possession of wild animals without a permit. Fines can range up to $1,000 and one can even face jail time for illegal possession of wildlife.
Another reason for not picking up wildlife is that diseases, parasites, and other health related risks are greatly increased with captive wild animals. Parasites and diseases can be transmitted to pets as well as humans. It’s best just to leave the little ones in the wild where they belong.
It’s always good to get into the great outdoors to observe nature. Watching young wildlife can be an enjoyable experience as long as you use common sense. They make for great picture opportunities but it’s important to keep a safe distance, especially if it’s a sow with cubs. Sometimes when it comes to fawns you can stumble right on them as I’ve almost stepped on a few myself.
Keep your eyes open while you’re out and about as you never know what you might see. West Virginia is full of wildlife as well as beautiful scenery. Let’s just make sure we listen to the WVDNR and “leave young wildlife alone” while we’re out there. After all the little guys have enough predators to deal with as they try to grow up and make it in the wild outdoors.
