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Conservation officers have a simple message to residents who want to rescue what they think are orphaned young animals this time of the year — don’t touch them.
Ministry of Environment officials say in a majority of cases, young mammals and birds are hidden away by the mothers to protect them from predators.
They say when young wild animal comes into contact with humans, its chance for survival decreases significantly. Plus, it’s illegal to take wild animals home.
The ministry also says that wildlife may carry and transmit infectious diseases to people, such as rabies or the West Nile virus. They say it is best to leave the animal where it is.
They mention that only wildlife rehabilitators are licensed to care for orphaned and injured animals.
Ministry officials also warn residents that June is one of the peak months for vehicle accidents involving wildlife, and ask drivers to slow down and watch for wildlife crossing the roadways.
They say drivers should be more vigilant around dusk and in the evening, as animal movement increases after dark.