(Lewis, Iowa) Each year, DNR Officers receive calls about what to do with baby wild animals. John Lorenzen from the DNR Office in Lewis stated during the KSOM DNR report that callers usually assume the baby animal they found is orphaned because they are alone.
Lorenzen says the adults are somewhere, so it is best to leave the young animal where it was found.
Lorenzen says another example is young birds.
Lorenzen notes that birds typically have a survival rate of less than 20 percent in their first year, which, while harsh, is a natural part of their life cycle. Lorenzen advises that if you come across baby animals, enjoy the moment by observing them and taking photos. However, the best thing to do for the young animal is to leave it undisturbed.
