Colorado Division of Wildlife Directive Regarding Wildlife Encounters

“It is not unusual to encounter young wildlife alone on trails, in the woods or next to roads. As tempting as it might be to “help” a young animal by picking it up or offering it food, the Colorado Division of Wildlife reminds people not to approach, touch or handle animals.

Every year people pick up young animals such as deer fawns, elk calves, small mammals or birds, and then call the DOW asking what needs to be done to “save” the animal. Unfortunately, if a young animal is handled it will likely die without the nourishment its mother provides.

In most cases, the animal hasn’t been abandoned. Young animals are often left alone while their mother feeds to help them avoid predators and to help them learn to survive in the wild. Deer provide a good example of how wildlife adapts behaviors to help them survive. Young fawns have no scent and are born with speckled coats that provide a natural camouflage. These two factors help them avoid being found by predators. When the mother doe senses a predator might be near, she moves away from her young. Many other animals use similar survival techniques.  

If you are concerned about an animal, don’t touch it, but make a report to your local DOW office. For more information about encountering wildlife, see Living With Wildlife. Also, see information regarding private possession of wildlife and Colorado’s laws.”  Colorado Division of Wildlife