Our dispatch center has received a number of calls from residents recently concerned about the welfare of baby animals they see in their yards or nearby parks.

This time of year is birthing season for many animals and while some baby animals may seem abandoned, it may just be part of the animal’s natural growth process.

For example, baby bunnies are typically left in their nests for up to two weeks with mom bringing food just twice a day. Turtles begin to lay their eggs around June 1 with an incubation period of 45-80 days. Once the mother lays the eggs, she does not return. The hatchlings fend for themselves after they’re born. It’s normal for fawns to be alone, especially in their first weeks of life. Mother deer often leave their fawns for long stretches of time in tall grass or brush for protection while they forage for food.

In many cases, the best course of action is to leave the animals or nests alone. Extra attention may frighten them or cause them to leave their nesting places prematurely.

We often refer residents with wildlife concerns to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. Their website includes a list of tips for assessing how and when to help an infant or juvenile animal.

The police department does not transport injured or abandoned animals unless it is an injured bird of prey (hawk, eagle, owl), in which case they are transported to the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center.

If you believe you have an injured or abandoned animal in your yard, please call 911 or 952-949-6200 and ask to speak with one of our Animal Control Officers. You may also call the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 651-486-9453 and leave a voicemail.