Have you noticed an increase of baby animals roaming about? You’re not crazy — Springtime provides the best weather conditions for animals (like chipmunks, foxes, deer, bunnies, and swans) to give birth.
Reader JaMeka R. found a lone baby deer in her backyard and wasn’t sure what to do. Coming across an orphaned or injured baby animal isn’t uncommon at this time of year and it’s important to know what to do.
The first thing you should do if you come across a baby animal on your property is identify if the animal actually needs help. While it may seem unusual, it’s totally normal for many wildlife babies to be on their own. The parents are often foraging for food nearby + will be back.
However, if the animal is injured (aka: hit by a car, attacked by a pet, fallen from a nest) it is alright to intervene and call a local wildlife rescue organization.
NC Wildlife Federation | 919-833-1923
American Wildlife Refuge | 919-395-7749
Wildlife Welfare, Inc. | 919-387-1662
CLAWS, Inc. | 919-619-0776
NC Wildlife Resources Commission | 866-318-2401
However, certain species of wildlife cannot be rehabilitated in NC, including adult white-tailed deer, adult black bears, coyotes, nutria + feral swine.
For more information on what to do — including species-specific tips — head to the National Wildlife Foundation website.
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