EVERYONE In New York State Has This Responsibility
Spring is finally here and across New York State, the grass is getting green, the flowers are blooming and the trees are starting to show their leaves! It is an exciting time for everyone and is a vital time for wildlife.
The forecast is about to change, again. The National Weather Service is calling for the cooler and wet conditions to change to more seasonal and wet conditions with a few days with breaks of sun over the next week.
But as we go back and forth with the forecast, and hope for consistently warm and sunny days, Mother Nature is staying consistent with her annual routines.
READ MORE: NYS Hunters MUST Follow THIS Rule This Month
There is a good chance that when you drive to work or school, walk buy a field or woods or hike in the forest over the next few weeks you will encounter some sort of baby animal and that is where you can make a huge impact.
Babies Are Everywhere
In the months of April and May, you will see newborn wildlife all over portions of New York State. From Niagara Falls, to the Hudson Valley, wild animals are delivering their babies. It is a incredibly beautiful thing that happens every spring.
As thousands of baby deer, turkey, geese, bear and other baby animals arrive, you may be tempted to snap a photo or video. But remember that you should stay a very safe distance from them.
Our Responsiblity
The New York State DEC reminds everyone that:
Remember when viewing wildlife:
Don't feed wildlife and leave wild baby animals where you find them.
Keep quiet, move slowly and be patient. Allow time for animals to enter the area.
There is a good chance you might see a recently born whitetail deer fawn in some high grass in your yard or a long the path that you walk or run each day. These should definitely be left alone!
"White-tailed deer fawns are a good example of how human interaction with young wildlife can be problematic. Fawns are born during late May and early June, and although they can walk shortly after birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still in tall grass, leaf litter, or sometimes relatively unconcealed".
I love being outside with our kids and one of the things that I try to get them to understand is that wildlife is just that-wild. These animals can take care if themselves and although more housing is going up and more and more deer habitat is being pushed away, they find a way to survive. There are some occasions when humans can and have assisted baby wild animals but it is best to get a professional to handle it.