Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and other wildlife organizations receive numerous phone calls each spring regarding orphaned animals. Although well-meaning, removing an animal from nature is illegal and most often unwarranted.
Many young animals found on their own are simply left hidden while adults are foraging. “It’s nature’s defense” said Kirk Miles, TWRA Wildlife program manager. “Many mammals leave their young for an extensive time, often only visiting them a few times a day for feedings”. White-tailed deer fawns are often lying motionless in flowerbeds or in areas we least expect them. “If you do accidentally spook one,” said Mr. Miles, “Don’t worry. The mother will find it, even if it runs off. They’re great at hiding and finding their young.”
Officials said, "Other animals typically found are rabbits and birds. Cottontail rabbits only feed their young at night. Should you see a small rabbit outside its nest, it’s probably all right. Young rabbits leave the nest at only three weeks old and they’re quite small. If a rabbit’s nest is disturbed, simply place the young animals back into the nest and gently cover them with the loose materials surrounding the nest, typically grasses and fur from the mother. If they come back out, they’re ready to be on their own. Birds often fall or fly from nests. It’s an old wives’ tale that you cannot touch young birds. You can. Gently put them back into the nest. If they fly out again, then recognize they’re fledging and are old enough to go out on their own. Birds are generally great parents and will continue caring for their young, even if the young are on the ground."
For more information on wildlife visit tnwildlife.org.