As spring arrives across Parry Sound- Muskoka, the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is offering tips for protecting wild baby animals.
“For many species, mothers intentionally leave their young hidden while they search for food,” said Janalene Kingshott, Director of Animal Welfare at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. “The babies are quiet, well camouflaged, and their mothers return periodically to care for them. It’s a natural survival strategy.”
According to officials, spring and summer mark baby wildlife season, the busiest time of year for rehabilitators. Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary staff say they receive a surge of calls from concerned members of the public who find young animals alone and worry they may have been orphaned.
While the instinct to help wildlife is understandable, officials said intervening too quickly can sometimes do more harm than good.
“When people find a baby animal alone, the most important thing they can do is call us first,” says Kingshott. “We can help assess the situation and guide them on whether the animal truly needs help or if it is best to leave it where it is.”
Officials said wildlife rehabilitators can intervene when an animal genuinely needs help, but they cannot replace the care a mother provides. In many cases, the best approach is to observe from a distance and allow the mother time to return.
However, officials said intervention may be necessary if a young animal has been caught by a cat or dog, is bleeding or visibly injured, appears weak or lethargic, has a dead parent nearby, or is crying and wandering continuously for an extended period.
For more information, call 705-644-4122 or click here.
