‘Look, but don’t touch’: Sask. urges residents not to touch young animals in the wild

Mule deer fawn in high grass in Calgary

The Government of Saskatchewan is reminding residents not to interfere with wild animals as warmer weather arrives and more people head outdoors.

The province says while some young wildlife may appear to be alone or in distress, in most cases the animals are behaving naturally and should be left undisturbed.

“Many wildlife species leave their young unattended for extended periods of time while they search for food or to avoid drawing attention from predators. In most cases, the parent is nearby and monitoring from a distance,” the province said, adding that human interference can easily disrupt natural behaviour and actually reduce the animal’s chance of survival.

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Additionally, handling wild animals can expose residents to diseases such as rabies or the West Nile virus.

The best approach for residents is to observe young animals from a distance and avoid touching or relocating them.

However, concern may be warranted if the animal remains in the same place for several hours, is continuously making noise, appears wet or covered in bugs, shows obvious signs of injury, or if a dead adult animal is found nearby.

Residents are encouraged to contact their local conservation officer or call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line.

“In most cases, no action is needed,” the province added. “The animal has not been abandoned, and the best thing you can do is to leave it undisturbed.”