Depending on where you live, stumbling across a baby animal isn’t uncommon, especially during the spring. But even if the sight of a lonesome fawn or duckling makes your heart ache, not every wild animal needs to be rescued, no matter how cute they may look. Here are the top animal control tips you should know if you stumble upon a seemingly orphaned animal.

How to Help an Orphaned Baby Animal

Assess the Situation

Unless the animal is obviously hurt or abandoned, there’s no need to move them. Look for signs of injury, such as bleeding, a broken limb, or shivering. If the animal cries or appears to be wandering, they may be lost. Walk around the area where you found the animal to see if their parent has been injured or killed.

Note: if you do not feel comfortable with the potential of stumbling upon a dead animal, call in a wildlife control service. Do not abandon the animal.

Avoid Feeding the Animal

Baby animals have specific dietary needs, and feeding them the wrong foods can lead to serious illness—or even death. If the animal seems like they haven’t eaten, consult a humane animal control professional for tips on safe feeding.

Call the Pros

Taking care of an injured baby bird is very different than caring for an abandoned fawn. Some animals, like raccoons and squirrels, may return to retrieve their babies as long as they are left in the same spot where they were found. Other animals, like foxes, generally leave their kits alone for extended periods of time, and interfering may only confuse their parents. Don’t complicate things—call the experts.

If you’re worried about a wild animal near you, contact your local animal control specialists, who can provide guidance or removal services as needed. It’s the best way to keep your local wildlife safe.

For humane animal control and home wildlife removal, contact the professionals at American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services. Based in New Milford, CT, this family-run company provides ethical, effective ways to remove animals from homes all over Conneticut. To learn more about their services, call (860) 355-1231 or visit them online.