It’s baby wildlife season in Iowa and many well-meaning people who find them believe they are orphans. Iowa Wildlife Center Executive Director Marlene Ehresman says most do not need to be “rescued” and taking them from the place where they were born will more likely do more harm than good.
She says “ if you have a house full of children and they’re all petting them and cuddling them and thinking they’re so cute, stress alone can kill a baby animal especially bunnies because they are a high stress animal .” Ehresman explains it’s perfectly normal to see babies in the daytime because most mammals are largely nocturnal. In many cases, mom has found what she believes is a safe hiding place for her young while she sleeps or hunts for food.
