Hands off that Baby!

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 10/154/LHC
June 3, 2010

Hands off that Baby!

The Fairfax County Police Department’s Wildlife Biologist Vicky Monroe is urging well-meaning people to leave young animals alone. According to Monroe, with the advent of warm weather, encounters between people and wildlife increase. The number of baby animals that are “found” and taken to the Animal Shelter, away from their natural habitats also increases.

Monroe states that young animals raised by their parents have better chances for survival and that it is not uncommon for mothers to be away from their young to avoid attracting predators. This is normal behavior. If a baby animal is hiding quietly, it is usually not an orphan.

Most common species of animals taken by residents include;

Birds (fledglings have feathers, open eyes and leave the nest before fully able to fly.
Deer (fawn are left unattended by their mothers 90% of the time)
Rabbits (young rabbits are left unattended by mothers during daylight)
Turtles (young turtles fully independent upon hatching from egg)

A young animal is in need of rescue by a certified wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian if;

Found near deceased mother
Obvious injury
In distress (crying/wandering)
In poor condition (dirty, attracting flies, skinny)

For more information about wildlife in Fairfax County, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals/wildlife or contact Vicky Monroe at 703-324-0240. For additional information about injured wildlife, www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/injured/.