Animals like rabbits and fawns are often left alone for hours while their mothers look for food. This is normal and expected behavior. The babies are born without a scent, so it’s difficult for predators to find them. If moms (or people) hang around too much, their scent can attract predators to the babies.

Unless an animal is clearly injured or in immediate danger, keep your distance so the parent feels safe enough to return. If a wild animal is injured, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

You can use binoculars or the zoom function of a camera to enjoy the view while keeping wildlife wild, but avoid interacting with fawns, bunnies and baby birds. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is simply let wildlife be.

Many wild animals have adapted to live in urban and suburban areas and often nest near homes and businesses. Even though humans might accidentally disturb nests, these locations are carefully chosen for safety, since proximity to humans can prevent other predators from finding the nests.

This baby fledgling red wing blackbird can be seen using their mighty voice. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to keep their distance during baby wildlife season. (DNR photo)

Birds build their nests in all kinds of places, and once in a while, that causes a problem – if a nest is above the door to your house, for example.

You can remove a nest only if there are no eggs in it, but birds and their eggs are protected by state and federal laws and must be left alone. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to destroy, touch, move or possess active nests with eggs or chicks without a permit.

However, you can prevent birds from nesting in problem areas by blocking a potential nesting location with physical barriers, fake owls or streamers before egg-laying begins.

If you find an active nest near your home, be a good neighbor: Leave it alone and keep pets and children away.

Baby birds sometimes fall from their nests while learning to fly, but their parents will continue to feed and care for them even when they are on the ground. A baby bird on its own is not abandoned; the parents will be back. If you move the fledgling bird, the parents may not be able to find it again. You can help by keeping dogs, cats and kids away from baby birds.

Baby birds have the best chance for survival in their habitat and learn how to survive in the wild by exploring on their own. We can help by giving them space to spread their wings.