See a baby bird? Wildlife experts say leave it alone
Warmer weather has started to take over Texas, which means more people are going outside to enjoy the flora and fauna.
As more time is spent outdoors, one might start to notice more wildlife in one’s backyard, neighborhood and surrounding areas. Birds, deer and snakes are active this time of year, and their young might be mistaken as abandoned.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, baby birds and deer fawns are the most common animals picked up by people. However, it is important to understand those humananimal encounters are unnecessary and can be detrimental to the wildlife.
Also, it is illegal to possess wildlife without a permit.
In a news release, Meredith Longoria, the parks department Wildlife Division deputy director, said most of the time young wildlife is not abandoned, but they are simply staying in a safe space while their parents search for food.
“It’s best to leave rehabilitation of wildlife to those with the proper equipment, training and permits that authorize them to do so,” Longoria said.
Deer fawning season starts in May, and a doe can leave her fawn for hours at a time while browsing for food. During that time, people might spot a fawn alone and think it was abandoned, but that is rarely the case.
Young doves, blue jays, mockingbirds and other avian species that are preparing to leave the nest are often found on the ground and also might be mistakenly thought to be abandoned.
Part of their developmental phase in learning to fly is spending days, and sometimes weeks, on the ground under the supervision of their parents nearby. If the bird’s eyes are open, has feathers and is hopping around, it’s safe to assume its parents are likely nearby.
Staying too close to animals might deter their mother from returning, and interfering too soon could do more harm than good. People should leave all young animals alone unless they are injured, the parks department said.
If you find an injured wild animal, contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. For a full list of rehabilitators, visit tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/rehab/ list.