‘Rescuing’ the Baby Wildlife in Texas is Detrimental and Also Illegal

(Longview, Texas) - We've had A LOT of people move into East Texas over the last few years. With that move brings a bit of a culture shock especially if they moved to a rural area. A lot of folks that come from the concrete jungle have the mindset that every animal needs to have a home or be "rescued."

I'm here to tell you Texas newbies, if you see any native wildlife just chilling in the tall grass on the side of the road, or even in your backyard, Leave Them Alone. Their mother is nearby and Will Return, there is no need to "rescue" them.

"Rescuing" the Baby Wildlife is Detrimental to the Animal

As humans, we have this dependency on other people. Being able to help in any situation makes us feel useful and builds a trust with that other person. We also have this notion that we have the know-how to help all animals since we can take care of a dog, a cat or another type of domesticated animal.

The key word is domesticated. Dogs and cats have been a domesticated animal for centuries. They can easily co-exist with us humans and we can train them to listen to certain commands. There are also some other animals that have become domesticated over the years like certain birds, snakes, some amphibians and other animals.

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Do Not "Recue" the Wildlife in Texas

Just because we have that knowledge and compassion for animals doesn't mean we can do the same for the wildlife. Springtime means that we'll see more young wildlife in the countryside of East Texas. While you think that this young animal may be lost or abandoned or starving, nine times out of ten, that is not the case.

The thing about nature is that they know what to do more than we do. They know what to do to feed themselves and their young. They know what to do to avoid a predator. They even know what to do when a storm is approaching.

How to Properly Handle Wildlife on Your Property

Texas Parks and Wildlife says that if you encounter any young wildlife to leave them be. You could actually cause the mother to think something is wrong by interfering. If you do run across an injured animal, do not try to "rescue" it, you need to contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

You can find one closest to you by SEARCHING HERE. Texas Parks and Wildlife also cautions against handling certain wildlife because they could carry a disease you do not know about like rabies, which has no cure. Find out more details on that at tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/rehab/orphan/.

"Rescuing" Wildlife is Illegal in Texas

You can be penalized for trying to rescue wildlife in Texas. Depending on the severity of your interference with the wildlife, you could face a Class A, B or C misdemeanor with fines between $25 to $4,000. It's not worth it.

We understand that you have a strong compassion for animals. But that compassion could lead to some awful results for both you and for the young wildlife. Leave them alone and contact the professionals with the proper knowledge to handle the situation before you do anything.

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