Raccoons, turkey, deer, squirrels, skunks, bass and crappie are either giving birth or preparing to give birth. This is nature’s way of insuring the survival of the species.
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by Conservation Agent Vaughn Walters — Springtime in Missouri is a busy time for Missouri’s wildlife. Raccoons, turkey, deer, squirrels, skunks, bass and crappie are either giving birth or preparing to give birth. This is nature’s way of insuring the survival of the species. The young are produced when food and cover are abundant and temperatures are mild. Chances of survival are the greatest during May and June.
Being aware of this activity can aid both people and wildlife in dealing with situations such as orphaned or abandoned wildlife, wildlife damage to property, and unwanted visitors such as skunks under the house.
Unwanted visitors can be discouraged by cleaning up brush and debris around the yard and out buildings. Repair holes in foundations and roofs to prevent entry. Keeping the grass mowed will also help keep wildlife where they belong.
If you discover a baby animal, leave it alone. Chain up your dog and lock up the cats to prevent them from killing or injuring the baby. The baby’s parent will most Likely be along in due time to retrieve the baby and take it to safety. Your interference, however well meaning, will only complicate the situation, sometimes resulting in the baby animal’s injury or death.
Whitetail Deer fawns for example, are born without any scent of their own. After birth they lay motionless in the grass. Their lack of scent, and coloration which blends in with surroundings, are the only protections the fawn has from predators. The mother deer (doe) only comes to the fawn to allow it to nurse and to move it when necessary. Unseen, she stands watch nearby during most of the day.
If you discover a fawn, it is not abandoned. Leave the fawn alone; its mother and hundreds of years of evolution are its best chance of survival. If you are concerned about any of Missouri’s wildlife, take no action until you have contacted a conservation agent. Then follow his or her instructions.