Latest news with #WildlifeIllinois
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Illinois DNR reminds the public to avoid handling wild animals
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — As the weather grows warmer and people spend more time outside, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to avoid handling wild animals and birds. The IDNR said that while young rabbits, deer and birds appear to need help, usually, human intervention does more harm than good. If humans are nearby, the parents of young animals will stay away. Venomous spiders in Illinois: how to identify them, where to find them 'The most helpful thing people can do for wildlife is to enjoy the animals through observation, not interference,' IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said. 'If you really care about the animals, just leave them alone when you come across them in nature.' Keeping wild animals as pets is prohibited by the Illinois Wildlife Code. Many wild birds are protected by this code as well. This includes their eggs, nests and feathers. The IDNR said it's important to avoid handling wildlife because it's not only illegal, but it can be dangerous as well. Many species carry diseases which can be passed on to people, some of which are fatal. Venomous snakes in IL: how to identify them, where to find them In Illinois, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) has spread to wild birds throughout the state. The public is asked not to handle or capture waterfowl, especially those showing signs of illness. 'We understand that the desire to help wildlife is strong, but it often comes at a cost,' IDNR wildlife chief Mike Wefer said. 'Survival rates for relocated wildlife are very low, and the risk of accidentally moving diseases from one place to another is high.' Anyone with further questions about care for potentially abandoned wildlife should talk to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before taking action. To learn more about orphaned animals, potential wildlife conflicts, and keeping people, pets, and wildlife safe, visit Wildlife Illinois. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
IDNR: Leave wild baby animals alone
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — As the weather warms up, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding you to leave young wildlife alone. In a release, the department said most of the time, people see what appears to be an abandoned rabbit, fawn, bird, or other young animal and want to help it. But human intervention can cause more harm than good, they said. That's because young animals are generally fed by their parents, who will stay away from the den or nest if humans are close by. 'The most helpful thing people can do for wildlife is to enjoy the animals through observation, not interference,' said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. 'If you really care about the animals, just leave them alone when you come across them in nature.' Not only is it not good for the animal, but it is also illegal to keep wildlife that has appeared to be abandoned under the Illinois Wildlife Code. The code extends coverage to most birds, including protection of eggs, nests, and feathers, the release said. Some additional reminders about wildlife in Illinois, according to the release: Birds: Birds often leave the nest before they can fly. Known as fledglings, these birds will live on the ground for a few days while they grow flight feathers, and you may hear them making noises calling for their parents. They do this so their parents will continue to feed them, and it doesn't mean they are in trouble. Keep children and pets away. Deer: A fawn left on its own is not necessarily abandoned. Young fawns don't possess the speed or stamina to flee until they are about 2 weeks old. As a result, their mothers will leave them to lie quietly and motionless in nearby tall grass or brushy cover while they forage. A fawn may truly be orphaned if you notice it in the same spot for two or three days and constantly calling for its mother. At that point, it's time to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to aid the fawn. Rabbits: Rabbits often build their nests in shallow holes or depressions in the ground, and they're frequently found in the middle of lawns and gardens. Mother rabbits commonly return to the nest only at dusk and dawn to feed their young, limiting daytime activity to prevent predators from noticing. Rabbits will begin to leave the nest around three or four weeks of age. Young rabbits outside the nest do not need help, but it's important to keep children or pets away from the nest and venturing babies. For more important information on wildlife, visit Wildlife Illinois. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
