DEM reminds public to avoid contact with young wildlife
that appear abandoned
 |
| Photo by Will Collette |
Homeowners
may also notice snapping turtles laying eggs on their property. People should
avoid approaching or disturbing these animals.
Unless
a dead doe is found nearby, fawns are not considered abandoned.
During the first week following birth, fawns are incapable of following their mother and will often lie in a curled position on the ground hidden in grass or sparse brush.
During the first week following birth, fawns are incapable of following their mother and will often lie in a curled position on the ground hidden in grass or sparse brush.
Typically
the mothers are nearby and will come to the fawn a few times during the day or
after dark for feedings.
Anyone
who observes a fawn in this condition should leave it alone, as the doe will
return.
They
are also advised to:
• Not feed or handle the fawn. At this young age, fawns can be approached and handled with little resistance; however, handling or removing them from the wild is illegal and detrimental to their survival.
•
Not to wait to see if a doe returns, if the fawn is alone. She will avoid the
area until people and pets are gone.
•
Report any sightings of an injured fawn to the DEM Division of Fish and
Wildlife at 401-789-7481.
In
addition, female snapping turtles may be observed, as they seek out places to
lay their eggs.
They prefer warm, sunny, well-drained sandy areas such as gardens, compost piles, and ballfields.
They prefer warm, sunny, well-drained sandy areas such as gardens, compost piles, and ballfields.
People are advised to:
•
Avoid contact with the turtle and keep children and pets away from the animal.
Snapping turtles are harmless unless they are disturbed.
•
Do not move or handle the eggs. The eggs will hatch in August and September,
and the baby turtles will immediately head for water.
DEM
does not respond to requests to relocate turtles found on personal property.
For more animal facts, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.
For more animal facts, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.
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