WOODLAND PARK – Listen up, here is an important message for everyone, leave baby animals alone.
The Woodland Park Animal Clinic takes care of injured or displaced animals of all kinds, and they say oftentimes people remove bunnies or birds that are abandoned. In reality, they are not, mom is just away from the nest.
“She’ll come back if you don’t disrupt the nest,” said Terri Collins, a veterinary technician. “If you find it, then cover it back up and then keep everybody out of the yard for 24 to 48 hours, she’ll come back.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says that it is normal for adult animals to leave their young alone while they search for food.
“Baby mammals are scentless in order to prevent predators from finding them,” said Janet George, senior terrestrial biologist for CPW. “When humans touch these animals, they leave behind a scent their adults will not recognize or may even fear. This can result in true abandonment of healthy offspring. It is best for people to leave them alone.”
Officials says if 24 hours pass and the parent doesn’t return, or the animal seems hurt, it is a possibility the parent may not return due to death. In that case, people can then call the nearest CPW office and they will determine the needs for the animal.
For more information on living with wildlife, click here.
