We often get questions from the public concerning baby wildlife and how to take care of an animal found in a backyard, cornfield, or other location that seems out of place. It is only natural for folks to want to pick up what seems to be an orphaned baby wild animal and take care of it and keep it as if it were a pet. Most times, the animal is not orphaned but only left for a short time by its mother who is probably nearby. Wild animals should never be thought of as “pets” because they have never been domesticated. Wild animals are completely unpredictable, and a baby fawn that is so very cute at two months old will soon grow into an animal that will naturally become aggressive due to territorial and/or breeding instincts. Wild animals do not see humans as a means of providing love and comfort; they see humans as a source for food. Captive wild animals present a variety of serious public health and safety concerns. Additionally, Tennessee’s wildlife doesn’t belong to any one person, but it is held in trust for all of the citizens of Tennessee. The Agency has been mandated to maintain and encourage these resources so that our wildlife flourishes and continues to survive despite environmental changes, urban encroachment and loss of habitat. For these reasons and others, Tennessee law does not allow people to take wildlife in to their homes as pets. The Agency does permit wildlife rehabilitators across the state to provide a means of helping those wild animals that are orphaned, sick or otherwise in jeopardy. Those rehabilitators go through training and education before being granted a permit to help the public and the Agency assist wild animals in being successfully reintroduced into the wild. When the TWRA is faced with a situation involving a captive wild animal, our goal is to take the necessary steps to protect the public and the animal. After addressing the public health and safety concerns, the TWRA will make every reasonable attempt to place an animal in a rehabilitation facility in hopes that the animal can be returned to its native habitat. If an animal becomes used to human contact, that animal generally will not survive in the wild. It has lost its natural fear of humans and without that survival instinct it could starve, it could be hit by an automobile, or it becomes easy prey for area predators. Any wildlife found injured, ill or in distress should not be approached. We encourage citizens to contact the TWRA and/or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in the area to see if they can help. By being proactive, it is possible to find help for these animals and get them back into the wild where they belong. If there are ever any questions or if the TWRA can be of any assistance, please let us know.
Posted on: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 21:18:39 +0000
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