As warmer weather brings more people into Saskatchewan natural areas, provincial officials are reminding the public that “rescuing” young wildlife often does more harm than good.
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The Government of Saskatchewan issued a statement Friday advising residents to “look, but do not touch” when encountering young animals that appear to be abandoned. According to wildlife experts, many species leave their young unattended for long periods to forage for food or to avoid drawing the attention of predators to the nest or den.
“In most cases, the parent is nearby and monitoring from a distance,” the province stated, noting that human interference can disrupt natural behaviours and significantly reduce an animal’s chance of survival.
Officials also reminded the public that wildlife are not pets and it is illegal to remove them from their natural habitat. Beyond the legal implications, handling young wildlife carries health risks, including potential exposure to rabies and West Nile virus.
The province suggests observing from a distance and leaving the animal in place. However, intervention may be necessary if an animal:
- Stays in the same location for several hours;
- Is continuously vocalizing or appears wet/covered in insects;
- Shows visible signs of injury; or
- Is found near a deceased adult.
In these specific cases, residents are encouraged to contact a local conservation officer or call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 for a professional assessment.
For more information, the public can visit the Government of Saskatchewan news portal.
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