PIERRE, S.D. – State Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding people that young wild animals found alone are best left that way.

"Parent wild animals frequently part from their offspring when foraging for food, but rarely will they abandon their young," said Game, Fish and Parks Conservation Officer Mike Apland of Spearfish. "A person may think the finding and keeping of a baby wild animal is helpful or humane, but many times it creates more problems and maybe even a death sentence for the young one."

When leaving to look for food, animals attempt to conceal their young from humans and other animals in order to protect them. "If people handle or move young animals, the

likelihood that the parents may abandon them or be unable to find them increases," Apland noted. "Again, the best advice to people is to leave young animals where they find them."

Should anyone discover a nest of young animals, such as birds or rabbits, Apland advises that people disturb them as little as possible and allow the adults to care for them. "If young birds have fallen from a nest, gently return them to their nest, if it can be safely done, and stay clear of the area," he said.

Wild young animals many times appear harmless, however, they can bite or scratch anyone attempting to handle them. They may also attempt to protect themselves if cornered and are unable to flee from an area. Regional Supervisor Arden Petersen of Sioux Falls said this has occurred in the past when people have been injured by deer that have been raised in captivity and lost their fear of humans.

"Occasionally, people attempt to adopt wild young animals as pets," he said. "However, as these animals grow older, they are driven by their instincts and can become aggressive and territorial. They can even damage homes or endanger the people caring for them. Additionally, animals raised by humans lack survival skills to find food and shelter on their own or to compete with other animals for food and shelter. Consequently, these animals are unable to survive on their own if released. Often, these animals become imprinted on humans and cause problems. If the animals are deemed to be dangerous or unable to adapt to the wild, it may become necessary to euthanize them."

Possessing wild animals without a permit is against state law. Certain species, like migratory birds, are protected under federal law.

Anyone encountering an injured or young, wild animal that is next to its dead mother, should contact the nearest Game, Fish and Parks office or local conservation officer.

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