Despite the late spring, birds and animals are busy raising inexperienced young. A wildlife expert says stay away if you see young animals as momma isn't far away.
Raccoon young, called kits, are born sightless but are capable of walking, climbing and running when they are 6-8 weeks old. If you see raccoon kits, their mother is likely nearby even though you don't see her.
DNR wildlife biologist Dianne Robinson says most of the time the kits are ok....
"....mom will leave her young kits near the den site for a couple of hours at a time while she goes out and looks for food. If you see wild animals and mom isn't nearby, that is normal. A lot of times people get concerned because they want to make sure the animals are ok, As long as the young look happy and healthy and move around, it's nothing to be concerned about...."
She says the DNR and wildlife rehabbers often get calls about abandoned raccoons and other animals....
"....if you have follow up questions, you can contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. They will be able to tell you if the animal you see is safe, healthy and happy, or if it's an animal that might need some help. That rehabilitator will be able to get you started as to what should be done for that animal...."
For more information, visit the Keep Wildlife Wild webpage on the DNR's website..by searching keyword Keep Wildlife Wild. You can also find rehabbers in the directory.
