Spring is in full swing, and as nature starts to awaken the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is reminding the public to leave young wildlife undisturbed.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says parent animals often leave their nest or young in a location they consider safe while they forage or hunt. Young animals may appear to have been left alone, but the parent is almost always nearby and will return as needed. Human intervention can cause unnecessary harm to young animals as touching them can transfer human scent, which can draw attention to their location and make the young more noticeable to predators.
KFW says Kentuckians can help baby animals thrive by:
-Observing them from a distance
-Securing trash cans and not leaving food outside
-Keeping children and pets away
-Checking a property or site before mowing or other outdoor projects
Another risk of interacting with wildlife is the potential exposure to rabies. If a person is bitten by a wild animal, contact your medical provider or county public health department immediately for guidance.
Only state-permitted wildlife rehabilitators can care for orphaned or injured animals. A list of approved rehabilitators, and more information on what to do if you find an animal you believe to be injured or abandoned, can be found at fw.ky.gov.
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