Wildlife experts warn Saskatoon locals to leave nature in its place

As spring is a nesting time for some animals, wildlife experts are reminding residents to admire the baby animals from a distance and not to approach the wildlife.

Spring has sprung in Saskatoon, which is a time for animals to start having their young.

From little goslings to baby bunnies, spring babies are popping up everywhere.

Although they are cute to look at, wildlife experts remind residents to leave the animals in their natural habitat.

“In the spring, foxes, coyote, skunks, raccoons are looking for somewhere to have their babies. So they’re looking for dens and very often that ends up being close to or in human habitations, sheds, attics, underground, under garden sheds,” said Jan Shadick, Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation executive director.

“It’s incredibly helpful for people to know that in the spring when there are babies, there are certain things that we need to maybe think about and do, in terms of wildlife.”

Shadick’s favourite phrase is ‘If you see the hare, leave it there.’ She says baby bunnies may look like they are abandoned, but that’s usually not the case.

“At dawn or at dusk, mom will come in and they will go to her, and they will feed. Then she leaves with the idea that they go and camouflage (because) they have no scent,” she said. “They just hide so that they don’t get eaten. People (end up) finding them. So, we really have to emphasize the message.”

Shadick said baby bunnies get very distressed when they are picked up and warns that without the proper care and treatment, they will not survive.