Press Releases
04/09/2026
Hands Off - Young Wildlife Should Be Left Alone
DEEP Recommends – If You Care, Leave It There
(HARTFORD) — As spring and summer bring more people outdoors, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents that this is also a busy time for wildlife – and that many young animals found alone are not abandoned and should be left undisturbed.
During this time of year, many animals are establishing territories, building nests, and raising their young. At the same time, people and their pets are spending more time outside, increasing the chances of encountering wildlife. While it may be tempting to intervene and “rescue” a young wild animal found alone, many species naturally leave their young alone for long periods. Human interference can harm animals in many ways including causing animals to abandon their young.
DEEP’s Wildlife Division offers the following guidance for common springtime wildlife encounters.
Bear Cubs: People often are unaware that female bears will leave their cubs alone or send them up trees while they search for food. These cubs are not abandoned, and while they may vocalize before the sow returns, this is not necessarily cause for concern. For their safety, leave cubs alone and contact the DEEP Wildlife Division for further guidance. Removing cubs from the wild can unintentionally orphan them if the adult bear cannot locate and reunite with the cubs. Sows may travel a mile or more while foraging and can leave cubs unattended for several hours, sometimes up to twelve hours or more. This behavior also can occur during inclement weather; cubs are protected from the elements by their fur and are able to withstand drops in temperature.
White-tailed Deer: Most fawns that are found are not orphaned. Deer typically give birth between May and late June and leave their fawns alone for much of the day to avoid attracting predators. Fawns remain still and rely on camouflage and lack of scent to stay safe.
If you find a fawn, leave it alone for at least 48 hours to allow the mother to return. Keep people and pets away. A truly orphaned fawn may wander, vocalize repeatedly, or appear distressed.
Fox Kits: It is common to see fox kits playing near dens in spring and early summer. This is normal behavior and not a cause for concern. Foxes only use dens temporarily, and daytime activity is typical.
Do not feed or approach fox kits. Both parents help raise the young, so orphaning is rare. Sick or injured foxes should be reported to local Animal Control, local police, or DEEP Environmental Conservation Police (860-424-3333).
Rabbits: Young rabbits are especially vulnerable to pets and lawn equipment. If you find a nest, avoid disturbing it and keep pets away. Within 2–3 weeks, the young will leave on their own.
Mother rabbits visit the nest only briefly at dawn and dusk. If a nest is disturbed but the young are unharmed, return them and cover the nest. If a rabbit has been in contact with a pet or appears injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Birds: Many young birds found on the ground in early summer are fledglings learning to fly and still are being cared for by their parents. If the bird is fully feathered, leave it where it is and keep pets away.
If a bird has no feathers (a nestling), try to return it to its nest. Wearing latex or nitrile gloves can help prevent your scent from clinging to the nestling and attracting predators. If the nest is gone, a simple replacement nest (such as a small basket with grass) can be secured in a nearby tree or shrub. Observe for at least an hour to ensure the parents return.
If an animal is clearly injured or orphaned:
- Avoid direct contact
- Keep pets and children away
- Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the DEEP Wildlife Division who can provide further guidance
- Handling wildlife can pose risks to people, including exposure to rabies and other diseases
“Connecticut is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, and spring is a critical time for many species raising their young,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “No matter how cute or vulnerable a young animal may appear, human interference can harm instead of help. The best way to protect wildlife is to admire it from a distance and allow animals to remain in their natural environment.”
Wild Animals are Not Pets: Keeping wild birds or mammals as pets is illegal and harmful. Proper care requires specialized knowledge, significant time, and state permits. Animals raised by humans often cannot be returned to the wild.
“Although it may be natural to want to help young animals, intervening can do more harm than good,” said Jenny Dickson, Director of DEEP’s Wildlife Division. “Handling wildlife also can pose risks to people, including exposure to rabies and other diseases. Be aware that even young mammals can carry and transfer the rabies virus in their saliva.”
DEEP encourages residents to enjoy wildlife from a distance and help keep Connecticut’s wild animals safe by allowing them to remain in their natural environment.
Wildlife Rehabilitators: In Connecticut, there are approximately 300 authorized volunteer wildlife rehabilitators with the skills and training to care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. To obtain the names of wildlife rehabilitators in your area, check the DEEP Dealing with Distressed Wildlife webpage, or contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at deep.wildlife@ct.gov or 860-424-3011, or the DEEP Emergency Dispatch Center at 860-424-3333 (after hours or on weekends). Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a wildlife rehabilitator should visit the DEEP How to Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator webpage.
Black Bear cub: Most young animals found alone are not abandoned and should be left undisturbed. Female bears will leave their cubs alone or send them up trees while they search for food. These cubs are not abandoned, and while they may vocalize before the sow returns, this is not necessarily cause for concern. For their safety, leave cubs alone and contact the DEEP Wildlife Division for further guidance.
Photo Credit: Kyle Testerman
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110