That Baby Animal You Found in New Hampshire Probably Isn’t Abandoned

Spring in New Hampshire is kind of magical this time of year. Everything starts waking back up again. The trees get greener, the days get longer, and suddenly it feels like baby wildlife is everywhere.

You’ll see little deer curled up in tall grass, fuzzy goslings waddling behind their parents, baby rabbits tucked near sheds or flower beds, and maybe even a fox kit or two playing near the woods. And honestly? Your first instinct is probably, 'Can I pet that deer?" or “Oh no… does this baby need help?”

Most of the time, you can't and it doesn’t.

Wildlife experts say one of the biggest mistakes people make every spring is assuming a young animal has been abandoned just because it’s alone. In reality, many mother animals purposely leave their babies hidden while they go find food nearby. Deer are a perfect example. A fawn lying quietly by itself is usually exactly where mom wants it. The mother is often watching from a distance and will return when she feels it’s safe. The best way to learn more is to visit the New Hampshire Fish And Game Website.  They are a great resource and full of knowledge.  If you visit a State Park, talk to the Resource Officers.

And if you get too close? That’s when things can get dangerous.

A lot of wild animal parents become extremely protective this time of year. Geese are basically tiny feathered security guards in the spring. A mother fox or bear will absolutely defend her young if she feels threatened. Even something that seems harmless can react unpredictably when babies are involved.

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There’s also another problem people don’t think about: when humans interfere, it can actually reduce a baby animal’s chances of survival. Moving them, feeding them, or trying to “rescue” them can separate them from their parents or make them dependent on humans.

The best thing you can do?

Enjoy the moment from a distance.

Take the photo. Appreciate how wild and beautiful spring in New Hampshire really is. Then let nature do what nature has been doing long before we got here.

If you would like to learn more about learning more about wildlife conservation and forest stewardship... this is a great start. UNH NH Coverts Project Training.

Because sometimes the kindest thing you can do for wildlife… is simply leave it alone and let it stay wild.