WALWORTH COUNTY — It’s getting warmer, and spring is right around the corner.

You may start finding baby animals like fledgling birds, rabbits or juvenile squirrels as you venture outside. If you encounter a young animal that seems to be alone, what should you do?

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:

1. Leave them there! In most cases, the mother will return within a few hours and take care of her young. Remember, a baby animal’s best chance of survival is with its mother – so the best thing you can do is keep your distance.

2. No matter what, do not attempt to rehabilitate the animal. Throughout the state, there are trained and licensed wildlife rehabilitators who you can call to help if the animal is injured, ill or truly orphaned.

Attempting to care for a young animal on your own may ruin its chance of surviving in the wild.

Find wildlife rehabilitators in your area. Remember to Keep Wildlife Wild and leave the wildlife rehab to the pros: Walworth County HERE

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