Recordpub.com - Those babies may not be orphans

The ODNR Division of Wildlife has some very strong advice for well-meaning people who pick up baby or injured wild animals.

LEAVE THEM ALONE!

Every year, wildlife officers, biologists and licensed rehabilitators attempt to educate local residents and every year it is wild animals that become victims to human actions.

Fascination with cute, seemingly helpless animals, causes even the most reasonable person to forget that it is a wild animal capable of biting, scratching and transmitting diseases and parasites to humans and domestic animals.

State and federal laws protect and regulate wildlife and endangered species in Ohio.

Only people under a special permit issued by the DOW may possess a native wild animal. Specially trained and licensed volunteer rehabilitators provide care to orphaned or injured animals.

Many people believe the old myth that once young wildlife has been touched or handled by humans the mother will no longer have anything to do with it. Handling wild animals is discouraged for human safety as well as safety for the wild animal. Wildlife can carry parasites or diseases. Handling stresses the animal , and excessive handling can make the animal defensive or can ultimately contribute to its death.

Once young wildlife have been taken from the wild habituated to humans, the animal is never again able to function normally in the wild. When they reach sexual maturity and exhibit natural aggressive behavior, their captors often abandon them. As a result of dependence on humans for food and care, they become nuisance animals and suffer fatal consequences.

Along with the warning to leave young and injured wildlife alone, the DOW offers the following advice:

* Think before you act. Check for nests before cutting down trees or clearing brush. It is best to do so in the autumn when nesting season is over.

* Use common sense. If you disturb a nest, replace the animals and the nest material to the original location or as close as possible. If you find a fawn, leave it where you find it. The mother has likely hidden it there and will be returning to feed it.

* Keep pets under control so they do not raid nests and injure wild animals. Keep pets inoculated against parasites and diseases.

* Educate children to respect wildlife and their habitat. Emphasize to your children not to catch, handle, or otherwise harass wild animals.

* Contact your local wildlife officer or district office before taking any action. Trust and follow the advice of these trained professionals.

Call 1-800-WILDLIFE to be connected with proper individuals.

The ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves and the Natural Areas Discovery Series feature scheduled hikes, interpretive activities, and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve and scenic rivers staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next event is "Spring Comes to Eagle Creek," from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 in Portage County. For further info call 1-419-445-1775.

Jack Kiser is the host of TV's "Buckeye Angler" and Ohio Editor of "Midwest Outdoors" magazine. You may reach him through the Record-Courier or at his new www.buckeyeangler.com Web site.