Spring Baby Boom: Keep Young Wildlife Healthy and Wild

Springtime is here and with the warming temperatures, we see a boom in baby wildlife. Our Animal Protection Police Officers and Wildlife Management Office receive many calls this time of year from residents who are seeking help for young wildlife that appear to be orphaned or abandoned.

While these actions are well-intended, it is important to realize intervention may be unnecessary and can be detrimental to wildlife. Many baby animals that are brought to wildlife professionals are in no need of help from humans. Baby animals left alone are not necessarily orphaned or abandoned; many species of wildlife will hide their young for safety, leaving them alone for extended periods of time. 

Common wildlife frequently found and “rescued” in Fairfax County include squirrels, red foxes, raccoons, rabbits, skunks, opossums, and songbirds. If you come across a baby animal and are wondering whether to intervene, we offer guidelines below to determine if the animal needs help. If an animal is displaying these signs, contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator, veterinarian or our Animal Protection Police for further assistance and instruction.

Read the full article here. https://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/2025/03/25/spring-baby-boom-keep-young-wildlife-healthy-and-wild-4/