The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today reminded members of the public to leave young wildlife alone, noting that handling wild animals often harms the animal, spreads disease and, when done without a permit, breaks the law.

“Watching wildlife is one of the many joys of being outdoors in West Virginia,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “But for the safety of everyone and the preservation of our natural resources, it’s always best to leave young wildlife alone.”

Touching, picking up or even approaching young animals can leave behind human scent, which may attract predators and put the animal at risk. Contact with wildlife also increases the chance of spreading diseases and parasites such as rabies, ticks, Lyme disease and roundworms.

“We get a lot of calls this time of year about fawns, birds and baby rabbits that people think are abandoned or injured,” said Vinnie Johnson, WVDNR wildlife biologist. “Most of the time, those animals are doing exactly what nature intended.”

For example, does often leave fawns hidden for eight hours or longer while they search for food. These fawns rely on their camouflaged coats and lack of scent to stay safe. Approaching or handling a bedded fawn can put them in danger. Similarly, people often mistake fully-feathered fledgling birds for injured ones. If the bird is featherless and the nest is within reach, it can be carefully returned to the nest. But most of the time, young birds on the ground are fully-feathered fledglings learning to fly.

“Wanting to help is a natural instinct, but when it comes to young wildlife, the best way to show that you care is to leave them there,” said Johnson.

The WVDNR is also reminding the public that it is illegal to possess wild animals without a permit. Fines for unlawful possession of a fawn, bird, squirrel, bear cub or other wildlife range from $20 to $300, and may include jail time up to 100 days.

To learn more about wildlife in West Virginia, visit WVdnr.gov.