It’s springtime in Colorado—the days are longer, wildflowers are bursting into color, and the trails are alive with the next generation of wildlife. From fawns curled up in the grass to rambunctious baby raccoons, these encounters are magical reminders of our state’s wild spirit. But this is also the season for a well-meaning mistake I see far too often: folks “rescuing” young animals they think have been abandoned.
Let’s set the record straight, for their sake and ours: If you care, leave them there.
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Wild Babies Are Rarely Orphaned
Each year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) gets flooded with calls and drop-ins from people who’ve picked up wild babies—fawns, kits, chicks, and more. The vast majority of the time, these animals were not abandoned. Their parents are likely nearby, waiting for humans to leave so they can return.
When you pick up or move a young animal, you risk true abandonment. As CPW’s District Wildlife Manager Drew Vrbenec put it, “Humans are poor substitutes for an animal’s natural parents.” Our scent can cause the mother not to recognize her own baby, especially common with deer.
How to Help Young Wildlife
Here’s what you should do if you come across young wildlife this spring and summer:
- Do not feed or approach young wildlife. Enjoy your sighting, but keep your distance.
- Never “rescue” a wild baby. Odds are, it doesn’t need your help.
- Keep dogs leashed on trails. Pets can chase or stress wildlife and cause problem encounters.
- Call CPW if you see sick or injured wildlife. Let professionals guide you—don’t handle the animal yourself.
- Be bear-aware. With bears out and about, store food properly and keep your yard and campsite clean of attractants.
There is One Special Case: Baby Birds
A fledgling on the ground with feathers and open eyes is usually learning to fly. Leave it be—its parents are still caring for it nearby. If you see a truly helpless nestling (bare, eyes closed), you can carefully return it to the nest if it’s safe and easily accessible, wearing gloves and a mask. Otherwise, as always, contact CPW for advice.
Feeding Wildlife Is Illegal and Dangerous
Under Colorado law, feeding wildlife is not just illegal—it risks both their health and yours. Animals who become habituated to humans can get aggressive or sick, and may ultimately need to be euthanized. Approaching wild animals also exposes you to parasites, bacteria, or even diseases like rabies and avian influenza.
Respect the Wild: Give it Space
It’s tough to walk away from a wobbly fawn or a tiny bunny. But the wildest thing you can do for Colorado’s youngest animals is to leave them alone. Quiet observation from a distance—preferably with binoculars—is not only safer, it’s better for them.
As outdoor lovers, we are just visitors in their backyard. Let’s make sure our actions help ensure many healthy generations to come.
Stay safe, leave no trace, and enjoy the unfolding wild of Colorado.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
