A Spring Reminder From The Michigan DNR Regarding Baby Animals
We all love cute baby animals and all know how much it tugs on our heartstrings to find them all alone but the Michigan DNR says to leave them be!
As spring arrives, so do a lot of baby animals and their mamas coming out of hibernation. They have a lot to learn and a lot to get used to which is why we are encouraged to delight in their presence but keep our distance.
MLive reports that the Michigan DNR says while young animals appear to be abandoned the parents actually are not very far at all and it is actually a survival tactic especially common among animals like rabbits and deer.
Look, I get it, we've all seen movies like "Bambi" where it would break your heart to know that a cute little baby animal is all alone in this world. However, according to MLive, if you do believe that animal's parent is dead or could be injured itself to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (CLICK HERE FOR DNR's LIST).
I don't know about all of you, but growing up I also heard that touching a lonely animal could make it so if or when their parent does get back your scent will make them abandon them.
Now I don't know how true that is but it does help to reiterate the point that while your intentions may be the absolute best, your actions could have negative consequences for that animal.
So whether it is a baby deer, bunny or even a little bird that appears to have fallen out of the nest, it is best to keep your eye on it but chances are its parent will be coming back and it is all just part of them learning how to survive in the wild!
If you ever are worried the DNR does have a tip sheet or MLive shares you can "Learn more at Michigan.gov/Wildlife or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453."
While you may want to scoop up a fluffy, cute little wild animal, it is actually illegal to just take it on home with you without a license but here are some animals you (surprisingly) can LEGALLY own here in Michigan:
MORE: Unique Pets You Can Legally Own In Michigan
SEE MORE: Animals That Are on Michigan's Endangered Species List
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