KEEP THE Wildlife ‘Wild’ in Appalachia

Spring’s warming up, and as more people head outdoors, they’re likely to stumble across newborn animals. These little critters might look fragile, but their mothers are usually close by, keeping watch.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources urges everyone to leave young wildlife alone. Late spring marks the peak of deer fawning season, triggering a wave of calls from well-intentioned folks worried about “abandoned” babies. In reality, those fawns are rarely alone—mom’s just out of sight, tuned in to their every move.

Deer mothers groom their fawns meticulously, minimizing scent to dodge predators. The babies spend their first month bedded down, barely moving, their spotty reddish-brown coats blending into the dappled sunlight. By a month old, they’re sturdy enough to trail mom on their own.

Landowners mowing hay or grass can gently nudge a fawn a short distance if it’s in the way—mom will still track it down later using sight, sound, or scent. But if a fawn’s obviously hurt or its mother was seen killed by a car, a wildlife rehabilitator should step in. Only permitted pros can care for orphaned or injured wildlife; a searchable list is available at fw.ky.gov. Otherwise, hands off.

It’s not just deer—songbirds, reptiles, amphibians, and most mammals also raise young in spring. Rabbits start nesting as early as February, continuing through summer. People often find bunny dens in yards or parks, but the best help is no help—just leave them be. Marking the spot with a flag or stake can guide future mowing.

Freshly hatched songbirds might flop around on the ground, mastering flight, but their parents are still on the job. No need to intervene.

Wildlife’s newborns may seem vulnerable, but nature’s equipped them with instincts honed over millennia. For spring’s tiny wonders, the smartest move is to admire them from a distance and let them thrive.