April 16, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wants to remind people not to handle young wild animals. The improper handling of young wildlife is a problem in California and across the nation, most commonly in the spring, when many species are caring for their offspring.
People often encounter young wild animals that they believe need help or have been orphaned. However, in most cases neither assumption is true. In 2009, 537 fawns were turned into California rehabilitation facilities by well-meaning members of the public. Many were healthy and should not have been disturbed, since this can cause the animal lto lose its ability to survive in the wild.