BILLINGS, Mont. — Each spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) receives calls about people finding baby wildlife in town, their yards or out in the wild.
While it might seem like the right thing to do, picking up these animals can be more harmful than helpful. Officials explained that wildlife care for their young differently than humans do.
Chrissy Webb, Regional Communication and Education Program Manager for FWP, shared insights on how prey species like rabbits, deer and elk often leave their offspring alone for extended periods.
"The mother will actually leave the baby, they're naturally pretty camouflaged, and they're born with very little of their own scent," Webb said. "So, it's hard for predators to find them, so, a mom will leave them and go feed somewhere else, because if a mom is there that could bring a predator in."
Webb noted that human presence could inadvertently attract predators.
"You as a human standing there looking at a baby fawn could also draw a predator in that might pique their curiosity," Webb said. "That's why we say if you care, leave them there."
Additionally, Webb emphasized that handling baby wildlife could transmit diseases to humans or pets.
If a baby animal appears injured or truly abandoned, FWP advises calling them for help.
