With spring in full swing, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife reminds Kentuckians that you should help keep wild animals wild.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says you should never interfere with young wildlife, as even if they appear to be alone and vulnerable their mother is likely nearby. Wildlife will often leave their young in a safe space, even in a more developed area, when they go searching for food.
KFW says you can help young wildlife thrive by observing them from a distance, securing trash cans, avoiding leaving food or other attractants outside, keeping children and pets away, and checking property sites for young animals before mowing or other outdoor projects.
KFW says possessing wildlife is only permitted in very limited and strictly regulated cases. In Kentucky it is illegal to keep animals that are at a high risk for carrying rabies such as raccoons, skunks, bats, coyotes, and foxes.
It is also illegal under state law to remove young wildlife from the wild. Only state-permitted wildlife rehabilitators can care for orphaned or injured wildlife. You can find contact information for approved rehabilitators, including Nolin River Wildlife, along with more information on wild animal safety, on the KFW website.