‘Save’ Wildlife by Leaving It Alone, Says CPW

Photo: CPW

Each spring, Colorado welcomes an abundance of new young wildlife across the state. As wildlife becomes more visible in backyards, trails and open spaces, CPW and local parks receive an increase of office visits and calls from concerned people who report they “rescued” young wildlife that appeared “abandoned” by adult animals.

Although reports are made with good intentions, people routinely orphan young wildlife by essentially kidnapping them and bringing them to CPW offices. Deer, elk and pronghorn mothers hide their young for long periods of time while foraging. Young that have been removed cannot be successfully returned to the wild, as the mother will not continue searching for a missing baby or reject it because it was handled by humans and may no longer smell like her baby. People that feed, touch or remove wildlife from their natural environment are actually causing them harm and may even cause the death of that animal.

How can you help the next generation of young wildlife? Leave them alone! If you see an injured animal, call your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. Do not approach, move or feed the animal. It is illegal to do so.

For advice on what tto do, CLICK HERE.