Wyoming Game and Fish is once again admonishing the public to leave young wildlife alone. If you’re outside this spring, there is a good chance you’ll see newborn wildlife. These young fawns, hatchlings and other babies are charismatic and incredible to watch and photograph.
However, Game and Fish biologist Will Schultz says, “With all animals, the first few weeks of life are the most critical in determining their survival and interference from humans can most definitely put their lives at risk.” Most mammals hide their young and return periodically to nurse. People who find young animals without a mother nearby often assume the newborns have been abandoned, but this is almost never the case. Also, getting too close to newborn wildlife can be very dangerous.
A mother bear, bison, moose and even deer will display aggressive behavior when humans get close to their young. Leave the area immediately if you encounter aggressive wildlife with young. Schultz says in the rare instance when a fawn or other newborn is found and the mother is known to be dead, contact the nearest game warden, biologist or Game and Fish Regional Office; do not attempt to capture these animals yourself.
