Each spring people run into young wild animals they believe to be orphaned but wildlife officials warn against taking them in.
Wildlife Biologist Don McGowan works with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources says, "A lot of folks will see young wildlife, infant wildlife, and think it's been abandoned but a lot of times that's not the case; especially with white tail deer fawns." He adds, "It's natural for the doe to leave the fawn unattended. A lot of folks will see a fawn by itself, think it's been abandoned, and take it in when actually that doe is around somewhere."
If you come across an animal that's injured, McGowan says that only licensed and trained people can adequately care for injured wild animals. A list of licensed rehabilitators is available at www.gadnrle.org (select “Special Permits” from the right hand side of the home page and scroll down to “Wildlife Rehabilitation”).
If you decide to take matters into your own hands anyway, he reminds us that state law prohibits anyone from possessing a wild animal without a permit.
