While it may be tempting to help a baby animal who appears abandoned, wildlife officials ask that you leave the animals alone.
Wildlife Information Specialist with the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife Michelle Cain says many animals leave their young in search for food and come back to them later in the day. It is best to leave them in their habitat rather than care for them.
State laws prohibit keeping protected wild animals without a permit. Most wild animals are protected by law and cannot be kept. Federal laws also prohibit possession of migratory birds.
It is even illegal to treat wild animals for sickness or injury without a permit.
If you encounter an injured or sick wild animal, you may call the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife at (317) 232-4080 or call a licensed veterinarian. According to officials, the best response is to leave the animals to nature.
