STATEWIDE — You see a baby rabbit in your back yard . Your first inclination is to probably try to pick it up and hold it because it is all alone.
That’s the wrong move says Indiana’s state urban wildlife biologist Megan Dillon. She told Indiana Outdoors that you should always have the mentality to “keep wildlife wild.”
“The way we show compassion to wild animals is so different to the way we show compassion to animals we might be more familiar with like our pets,” Dillon said. “A baby animal’s best chance of survival is always if it is left alone and raised by it’s own mother.”
Dillon said it’s actually common for baby animals, such as fawns (baby deer) or baby squirrels and rabbits to be left alone during the day while the mother goes leaves them, likely in search of food for her young.
She added that it’s also not our obligation to save a wild animal.
“They are just that, wild animals,” said Dillon. “But if you do decide an animal needs your help, you should avoid handling it if possible. Look for real signs of distress.”
Otherwise, she said to just admire the babies from afar.
Listen to Brian Poyter’s full interview with Dillon on Indiana Outdoors at 5:00 am on 107.5 and 1070 The Fan this Saturday.
(PHOTO: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
