‘Orphaned’ Baby Animals in the Wild
Are They Really Abandoned?

Though it may appear that baby animals such as birds, rabbits or fawns, are abandoned, most of the time, the mother is nearby.  It is normal for many species to leave their young unattended for hours at a time. 

For example, mother deer leave their fawns for up to eight hours before returning to nurse.  Fawns do not carry a scent, so by watching her young from a distance, a mother deer helps keep her scent from attracting predators to them. 

Before intervening, please contact your nearest DNR office or call the MHS Wildlife Department.