Camping season is hitting it’s stride now that summer is here. That means people will be out in parks and the wilderness among the wildlife.

And with many new babies out there, it’s tempting for many people to want to try and interact with them but don’t do it.

Let me give you an example. I live in Wisconsin. May and June is when baby deer are born and it’s not uncommon to see a baby that looks like it’s all alone. But it’s usually not. It’s mother is hiding nearby. If you go up to that baby deer that you think may be alone and touch it, the chances of its mother coming back to it are slim because you left your scent on the baby.

The same goes for baby birds that have fallen out of their nests and nests of baby rabbits that look like they are all alone. Their mothers are nearby waiting for you to leave so they can go back to the nest and attend to their babies.

Even if you are 100% positive that the mother is dead, or if you find an injured animal, don’t approach it. Instead contact your local DNR (Department of Natural Resources) or law enforcement who will then in turn contact the DNR. They will make sure the animal is taken to certified wildlife rehabilitator to be cared for.

For more information, go the Department of Natural Resources website for your state. To find the DNR website for your state, go to google.com and type in: DNR plus the name of your state.