Fairfax County police remind residents not to ‘help’ wild baby animals

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — The increasing spring temperatures will also bring the annual seasonal spike in baby animal births, and Fairfax County Police Department are advising residents to resist the urge to “help” or rescue the baby animals.

When people see baby animals presumably left to fend for themselves, they feel the inclination to help, whether that be bringing it home or taking it to professionals. Research published by the University of Oxford in 2016 explains this nurturing instinct is due to the effect of cuteness on the human brain.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said more than 75% of baby animals humans believe they are rescuing each year were never in danger and should have been left alone. Instead of approaching the animals, humans should keep 50 yards of distance.

Humans unfamiliar with normal wildlife behavior may misinterpret animal behavior as abnormal, leading to intervention. While an animal may look like it is alone, mothers could be close by scouting for food, or planning to return, according to the state’s Department of Wildlife Resources.

Animal Protection police officers said in a statement that while humans who intervene often mean well, but “many baby animals that are brought to wildlife professionals are in no need of help from humans.”

This behavior can have detrimental effects for humans and wildlife. Officers say human contact can cause stress and trauma for baby animals and spread disease to humans. Young animals can still carry rabies or diseases such as the Avian Influenza.

From 2022 to 2024, there were over 100 reported cases of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds across the Virginia, Maryland and D.C. area, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Fairfax County Wildlife Management officers say that if a baby animal is injured, humans should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator .

When intervention is needed, officials always recommend the use of heavy gloves to prevent the spread of rabies. Virginia Department of Wild Resources officials advise humans never attempt to rescue adult animals, especially high risk animals such as bats or skunks.

Officials produced these guidelines to follow when determining if an animal is truly in need of help:

• The animal shows signs of injury such as bleeding, swelling or a broken limb.
• The animal is very cold, shivering, thin or weak.
• The animal is on the ground unable to move or is nonresponsive.
• The animal is featherless or not fully furred.
• The animal shows signs of flies, worms or maggots.
• The animal was picked up by a cat or dog, even if no injuries are visible.
• There is a dead parent nearby or parents are separated and cannot be reunited.

“A young animal’s best chance for survival is to receive natural care from its parents and remain wild,” Fairfax County Animal Protection police said.

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