What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned young baby wild animal? in Rhode Island | White-tailed deer

What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned young baby wild animal?

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If you care, leave it there.

Though it is human nature to want to help, the best thing to do when encountering an injured or orphaned wild animal is to leave it alone and undisturbed.

In many cases, it is against the law to capture, transport or possess wild animals. Generally, animals are better off left where they are found.

You are more likely to encounter or observe young, baby animals in the spring and early summer. Juvenile animals are common during these seasons as young animals begin to explore their environment, learn to forage/hunt and defend themselves. It is not uncommon to find young wildlife alone while the parents are hunting or foraging.

If you encounter what appears to be orphaned wildlife, you should leave them alone and immediately leave the area, allowing the parents to return and continue to care for their offspring.

In rare cases when you know the adults have been killed (i.e. hit by a car etc.), contact your state Fish and Wildlife Department. Many states have licensed rehabilitators who are well-trained to raise young wildlife and return them to the wild, if at all possible.

The same holds true for many other wildlife species including rabbits, foxes, coyotes, birds, and squirrels — If you care, leave it there.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Rhode Island

Rules and Regulations Governing Wildlife Rehabilitation

In Rhode island, it is illegal to possess wild animals for purposes of wildlife rehabilitation unless you are licensed by the Department of Environmental Management.

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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