The Missouri Department of Conservation wants to remind residents about the hazards of adopting wild baby animals thought to be orphaned or abandoned during the spring months.
According to a news release, MDC says spring time brings the births of many wild animals such as birds, rabbits, and squirrels with kindhearted people who want to help by adopting them.
MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell says baby animals are rarely abandoned or orphaned as the parents often spend many hours each day gathering food and eventually will return to the nest.
Russell added baby birds are common animals people want to help, but the best course of action is returning baby birds to its nest or at least near the nest.
Russell says the care and rehabilitation of wild animals requires special training, knowledge and facilities, as well as state or federal permits to legally possess any wild animal. Also, she says wild animals can become dangerous to handle as they mature, can carry parasites and disease, and can damage property.
Learn more, visit MDC’s website at www.mdc.mo.gov.