UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- People often encounter young animals that appear to be wounded or abandoned in the spring. If you run across one of these baby animals, it's usually best to leave it alone, says a wildlife biologist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

"Even with good intentions, people often do more harm than good trying to take care of young animals," says Margaret Brittingham, associate professor of wildlife resources. Most commonly encountered are rabbits, birds and fawns.

"Rabbits often nest in little depressions in lawns or the sides of yards," Brittingham says. "The female nurses the young in the morning, covers the nest, then leaves until dusk. That's why baby rabbits often appear to be abandoned."

But rabbits periodically return to check on their young, she says. If the nest has been disturbed, the adult will move it. "Once my dog came upon a rabbit's nest in the yard," she says. "I took her inside, returned to the nest two hours later, and the young already had been moved."

If you suspect that young rabbits have been orphaned, some experts suggest taking a string and making a circle around the nest and an "X" over it late in the afternoon. The next morning, check the string. If it's disturbed and the babies seem well, the mother has returned. If the mother has been killed, the young animals may need help. Brittingham recommends calling a local wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. "People aren't allowed to raise baby animals without a permit," she says. To find the nearest wildlife rehabilitator, call your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office.

"Many people often see young, flightless birds sitting alone and want to carry them inside," Brittingham says. "But birds are very hard to raise. It's almost always better for the bird if you leave it in a safe place and hope the parent returns.

"Sometimes the bird actually has left the nest but can't yet fly," she says. "If you're concerned about cats or predators, move it to a safe place, like a bush or low branch. It's a myth that the mother won't return to a baby bird after a human has handled it."

Occasionally young birds fall from nests. "In that case, you can try returning it," says Brittingham. "A fallen nest with eggs can be placed high in a shrub or tree. But a fallen egg is probably a lost cause."

People occasionally find baby deer in the woods. "Often the fawn hasn't been abandoned," Brittingham says. "Deer, like rabbits, leave their young alone for long periods of time. But if you know the mother's been killed, contact the state game commission."

Brittingham urges people to remember that they can be injured aiding wildlife. Animals sometimes bite out of fright. To avoid being bitten or scratched, she suggests being cautious and wearing gloves. "You want to be careful handling squirrels," she says. "They're aggressive and have sharp teeth.

"And never handle raccoons," she stresses. "Many raccoons in Pennsylvania carry rabies. If you see raccoons around your house, you should modify what's attracting them. Raccoons often feed on cat food or garbage cans. Make sure garbage cans are secured and don't leave food outside."

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Margaret Brittingham at 814-863-8442.

Contact: Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax #189