As the owner and lead veterinarian at Guardian Animal Medical Center, I am constantly reminded of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. While our intentions are often rooted in compassion, it’s crucial to understand when and how to intervene in the lives of wild animals.
Many well-meaning individuals bring baby animals and other wildlife to our clinic, believing they need help when, in fact, these creatures are often better off left in their natural environment.
Spring and summer are particularly busy seasons for wildlife-related cases at our clinic. During these months, people frequently encounter fledgling birds, baby rabbits, and other young animals that appear to be abandoned or in distress.
However, in many cases, these animals are not orphans and do not need human intervention.
For example, mother rabbits often leave their young alone for extended periods to avoid attracting predators, returning only a few times a day to nurse them.
Before you decide to “rescue” a wild animal, consider the following guidelines:
• Observe from a distance: If you come across a young animal, take a step back and observe from a distance.
The parents may be nearby, waiting for a safe moment to return.
Human presence can often deter them from coming back.
• Assess the situation: Determine if the animal is truly in need of help.
Signs that an animal may require assistance include visible injuries, being caught by a predator, or showing signs of illness.
If the animal appears healthy and unharmed, it’s likely best to leave it alone.
• Contact a professional: If you’re unsure about the animal’s condition or whether intervention is necessary, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or a veterinarian with experience in wildlife care.
They can provide guidance on the best course of action.
• Provide minimal contact: If you must handle a wild animal, do so with minimal contact and stress.
Use gloves or a towel to gently place the animal in a secure container, and keep it in a quiet, dark place until you can get professional help.
At Guardian Animal Medical Center, we strive to educate the public about the importance of keeping wildlife wild.
Unnecessary human intervention can lead to unintended consequences, such as disrupting natural behaviors, causing stress, or even resulting in the animal’s death.
Moreover, many young animals brought to our clinic do not survive the transition to captivity, even with our best efforts to provide care.
In addition to direct intervention, there are other ways you can support local wildlife:
• Create a wildlife-friendly yard: Plant native vegetation that provides food and shelter for local species.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which can harm wildlife.
• Install bird feeders and nesting boxes: Providing food and nesting sites can support bird populations, especially during harsh weather conditions.
• Educate others: Share your knowledge about wildlife conservation with friends, family, and your community.
Encourage others to respect and protect wild animals and their habitats.
In conclusion, while our instinct may be to help when we encounter wildlife that appears to be in distress, it’s important to remember that nature often knows best.
By observing, assessing, and contacting professionals when necessary, we can ensure that wild animals receive the care they truly need without causing harm.
Let’s all do our part to keep wildlife wild and preserve the delicate balance of our natural world.

MJ Wixsom, DVM MS is a best-selling Amazon author who practices at Guardian Animal Medical Center in Flatwoods, Ky. GuardianAnimal.com 606-928-6566