Handling or Harboring of Wild Animals Please resist handling or harboring wild animals.  Wild animals are protected by state regulations and may only be kept by those who are licensed as rehabilitators through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).  In addition to being illegal, the keeping of wild animals by those who are untrained/unlicensed often results in the death of the animal.  Furthermore, there are many dangers associated with handling wild animals such as rabies, distemper, parasites and mange.

Wildlife links > Handling of Wild Animals > Coyote Sightings > ‘Orphaned’ Baby Animals > Injured Wild Animals > Living in Harmony > Give Wildlife a ‘Break' > Other Wildlife Questions

Coyote Sightings Recent well-publicized coyote sightings in urban and suburban areas have raised many questions about these wild neighbors.  Though more common in wooded areas, they are highly adaptable to living close to humans and are attracted to easy food sources such as pet food, unsecured trash and high rodent populations.  Although people are often frightened when they see a coyote wander into their area, there is generally little cause for alarm.  There have been no known attacks by coyotes in Michigan.  However, if you know of coyotes in the area, it is advisable to monitor small pets while they are outside, and it is especially important to keep cats indoors, as MHS recommends at all times.  To prevent problems with any wild animals, do not attempt to approach or handle them.  Bring pet foods in at night and remove any other potential food sources.  More … ‘Orphaned’ Baby Animals 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. Injured Wild Animals If you find an injured bird or other wild animal, contact a DNR-licensed rehabilitator in your area before moving, touching or otherwise handling the animal. To locate a licensed  rehabilitator in your area, visit www.michigandnr.com/dlr. Living in Harmony with Wildlife When humans and their wild neighbors experience conflicts, the animals usually lose.  Development continues to expand into once natural areas, shrinking animal habitats by acres at a time and putting a larger number of animals in closer proximity  to each other and to humans.  The MHS endorses the use of proper preventive measures such as humane deterrents whenever possible to avoid or reduce many human/animal conflicts. Wild animal populations have a way of finding their own “levels”.  When a wild animal is removed from his habitat, many times another, though not necessarily of the same species, takes its place provided a food supply and shelter are available.  Therefore, relocation of wild animals is not always the answer.  Relocated wild animals have a very poor chance of survival not only must they find a safe new den or nesting site in this unfamiliar territory, but they’re competing for food with existing wild animals.  Some animals such as deer are especially poor candidates for relocation, as the stress of the perceived human “threat” as well as the move itself can cause them to experience a heart attack, or to bolt into traffic or other dangerous situations. Instead, the most humane and successful solution is often to modify the environmental factors that “invite” animals in the first place and the animals will move on in time.  More tips… Give Wildlife a ‘Break' Millions of wild animals and pets die on our roads every year.  Being alert and driving more carefully can help protect both animals and people from such accidents.  More… Other Wildlife Questions For other wildlife questions, please contact the Michigan Humane Society Wildlife Department, located at the MHS Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care, at (248) 852-7420 ext. 224. MHS Wildlfe Dept. Hours - Click here.