May 5, 2002 3 min read

Whether hiking in the woods, driving through the countryside or simply enjoying nature, outdoor enthusiasts encountering wildlife, especially young wildlife, are encouraged to leave the animals alone and not remove them from the wild.” Being outdoors in the spring is an enjoyable way to spend time learning about nature,” said Calvin DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director.

“At this time of year, it is common to find young rabbits, birds, raccoons, fawn deer or other wildlife that may appear to be abandoned. Rest assured that in most cases, the young animal probably was not abandoned and the best thing to do is not disturb it.

“DuBrock noted many adult animals tend to forage for food and bring it to their young. Also, wildlife rely on a natural defensive tactic called the “hider strategy,” where young animals will attempt to “hide” in surrounding cover while adults draw the attention of predators or other intruders away from their young.

“While it may appear as if the adults are abandoning their young, in reality, this is just the animal using its natural instincts to protect its young,” DuBrock said.

“Nature also protects young animals with camouflaging color and by giving them little scent to avoid being detected by predators.

“Wild animals are not meant to be pets, and we must all resist our urge to want to care for wildlife. Taking wildlife from its natural settings and into your home may transmit diseases, such as roundworm or rabies, to people or domestic animals. Wildlife also may carry parasites – such as fleas, ticks or lice – that you wouldn’t want infesting you, your home or your pets.”

In addition, David Overcash, Game Commission Bureau of Law Enforcement director, noted that it is illegal to take or possess wildlife from the wild. Under state law, the penalty for such a violation is a fine of up to $800 per animal.

“Under no circumstances will anyone who illegally takes wildlife into captivity be allowed to keep that animal,” Overcash said. “While residents love to view wildlife and are very compassionate, they must enjoy wildlife from a distance and allow nature to run its course.”

Overcash also pointed out that, under a working agreement with state health officials, any “high risk” rabies vector species confiscated must be put down and tested rather than relocated. Species identified in the agreement are: skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, coyotes and groundhogs.

“Except for some species of bats, populations of all other rabies vector species are thriving,” Overcash said. “Therefore, to protect public health and safety, it only makes sense to put an animal down for testing, rather than risk relocating a potentially rabid animal.”

Dr. James Rankin, state Health Department epidemiologist, said it always is wise to avoid wild animals and even strange domestic pets because of the potential rabies risk.

“Animals infected with rabies may not show obvious symptoms, but still may be able to transmit the disease,” Dr. Rankin said.

People can get rabies from the saliva of a rabid animal if they are bitten or scratched, or if the saliva gets into the person’s eyes, mouth or a fresh wound. Contact with wildlife and any strange domestic animals should be avoided.

The last human rabies fatality in Pennsylvania was a 12-year-old Lycoming County boy who died in 1984.

More information on rabies and other diseases and illnesses is available through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: “rabies.”