“Leave young wildlife alone” is the message that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is trying to send to want-to-be do-gooders this season. During this time of the year, many animals are giving birth, and consequently, allowing their youngsters to learn how to fend for themselves. 

Often, a well-intentioned person will see a young animal or animals and assume they have been orphaned when, in fact, their parents have simply left for a short while to let their babies start growing up. Removing a small animal in this situation would be highly detrimental to its well-being. In fact, removing wildlife from its nesting ground and keeping it in captivity is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and over $6,000 dollars in fines. 

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