Keep wildlife wild

As warmer weather approaches, the DNR reminds the public that wild animals and their young will be on the move across Wisconsin. Knowing what to do before finding a young wild animal, can make all the difference in the moment, to protect it and keep it in the wild, with its parents.

“Springtime brings a flurry of inquiries from concerned residents about the wildlife they are encountering,” said Jenna Fastner, DNR captive wildlife health specialist. “You can help reserve space at wildlife rehabilitation centers for wild animals truly in need, by always calling the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, before assuming an animal needs help. In Wisconsin, you must have a license to conduct wildlife rehabilitation and you should never try to care for a wild animal yourself, to protect their health and yours.”

For many species, it is perfectly natural for young wild animals to be left alone for extended periods of time. While alone, they will often lie quietly and still, to avoid attracting predators. Drawing attention to a young animal’s location can tip-off predators or keep its mother away longer than she would like.

The public can help by keeping people and pets away from the area. If there are interested children, they can learn to keep wildlife wild by observing from a safe distance.

Some common young wild animals that may be encountered this spring, include the following:

• Cottontail rabbit kits can be encountered anytime, from spring through fall. They open their eyes at one week old, and begin exploring outside the nest for short periods, to nibble on grasses, after about two to three weeks.

• Eastern gray squirrels raise their young in leaf nests, called dreys, tree cavities and man-made structures, such as attics. Litters typically consist of two to four young, called kits, and by seven weeks old, they will begin to explore outside the nest area.

• Raccoon kits are 12-14 inches long and capable of walking, climbing and exploring, by six to eight weeks of age. When they’re at the exploring stage, they can be seen active during the day, without their mother.

The DNR has various resources to help determine when a young wild animal needs help and when it’s best to leave them in their natural environment. Visit dnr.wisconsin. gov, for species-specific tips, on how to decide if a young wild animal is truly orphaned or in need of help.