09/03/2026
🐰 WILDLIFE 101 — DAY 3
Baby Mammals: Alone Doesn’t Always Mean Abandoned
This may be one of the most important wildlife lessons we can teach.
Many wild mothers leave their babies alone on purpose.
🐇 RABBITS
A mother cottontail doesn’t sit beside her babies all day.
She normally visits the nest briefly to nurse and then leaves again.
Why?
Because a mother rabbit walking around the nest can show predators exactly where her babies are hiding.
Finding baby rabbits without Mom nearby is usually NORMAL.
🦌 FAWNS
A tiny fawn lying alone can look abandoned.
Mom may actually be nearby.
Deer mothers leave young fawns hidden while they feed and return later.
Unless the fawn is injured, crying persistently, wandering abnormally, covered with flies, or you have strong evidence something happened to its mother, don’t automatically remove it.
🐿️ SQUIRRELS
Baby squirrels sometimes fall from nests.
Depending on the baby’s condition and circumstances, reunification with Mom may be possible.
Call a wildlife professional before deciding the baby is orphaned.
🚨 WHAT ABOUT PREDATORS?
Coyotes, bobcats, foxes, raccoons and other mammals can be extremely dangerous when frightened, injured or cornered.
Never assume an animal won’t bite because it looks weak.
Wildlife can suddenly defend itself.
🚫 NEVER:
• Hug or cuddle wildlife.
• Let children handle it.
• Let your dog investigate it.
• Put your face near it.
• Attempt to grab an adult mammal.
• Keep a wild baby because it seems friendly.
• Give cow’s milk or human baby formula.
• Attempt to raise it yourself.
Wild mammals require specialized diets, temperatures, housing and medical care.
They can also become habituated or imprinted on humans, making successful release much more difficult.
If you find a mammal you believe needs help:
Keep your distance. Keep pets away. Take a photo from a safe distance if possible. Note the exact location. Then call for professional guidance.
The goal isn’t to make wildlife comfortable around people.
The goal is to keep wildlife WILD.
