LEGALITY OF HELPING WILDLIFE: Resist the urge to rescue 
baby animals ... we tell you why on Passport to Texas. 

This is Passport to Texas

You know the story of spring: reawakening, renewal, and 
baby animals. That last part - baby animals - can be 
tricky. You see, sometimes we find infant wildlife when 
we're outdoors, and want to "rescue" them, which might 
actually be more like kidnapping.

08-For example, a baby dear [or fawn] will hide quiet and mama 
will almost always come back. That's their strategy.

See what I mean. Jonah Evans is a mammalogist at Texas 
Parks and Wildlife; he says unless an animal is injured or 
clearly in distress, leave it alone, but monitor it at a safe 
distance if you're concerned. Even then ... 

06- I recommend, before touching an animal, call a rehabilitator 
and ask them.

Licensed rehabilitators know animal behavior and can 
provide guidance, which may also include instructions to 
leave the animal alone because of legal considerations. 

12-There are actually some regulations about possessing certain 
wildlife that you have to make sure you're not violating. Possessing 
a non-game animal without a license, could be in violation of 
certain laws.
 
That can be avoided when you know who to call. Find a 
list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators-by county-on the 
Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

The Wildlife Restoration Program supports our series

For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I'm Cecilia Nasti.







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