Field notes by J. Cantrell, photos by MO Dept. of Conservation
The Midwest region has a reputation for having wonderful people with big hearts. Those same folks are likely to offer to feed you well! However, when it comes to the offspring of wildlife we need to avoid that caring tendency. Our intentions are well in meaning and we certainly want the best for the critters we come across. However, nature has everything under control. It is extremely rare for a wild mother to abandon her healthy young. If babies are found in the wild place where they belong, I guarantee they are under the care of their parent(s) or the natural world’s big plan. Some mammal mommas observe from a distance while they tend to their own rest or nutrition needs. Other mothers may have to forage a distance away, but will circle back on their time schedule to nurse or tend their young. It is very common for the babies to be left on their own as part of the species’ survival strategy.
“Rescuing” rarely gives the growing youngster the vital nutrients it requires. Sadly, it is common for small mammals and sometimes birds that seem to be doing well under human care and then suddenly parish due to the off diet. If a wild animal is raised out of its “norm”, it will likely lack the learned behaviors allowing it to function around its own kind – they simply don’t know what they need to know. The final take home message is it is illegal to possess wildlife without a license. Therefore, we appreciate everyone being on the “conservation team” and help spread the word to leave wildlife in the wild. I understand and appreciate all those people who care and want to help, so here are a few things that can benefit overall:
1) Keep our domesticated pets vaccinated. It helps protect red and gray foxes for example from catching distemper and other diseases.
2) House cats live longer and have healthier lives (and they don’t harm songbirds) if the cats are indoor pets.
3) Reduce or skip using lawn chemicals. Our native wildlife and water resources will be tremendously better off!
4) Establish some native trees, shrubs, vines and flowers in your yard to benefit pollinators and songbirds.
Nature and all its components are part of our lives. The more we learn and spend time outdoors the more we are entertained and eager to learn more. Late spring is a beautiful time of year let us do our part to help nature out. Even if it is being a bystander. I hope you find and enjoy many hiking trails this month, maybe I will see out and about! - Jeff