Oregon Wildlife Experts: Leave Animal Babies Alone in Forests, Coast

Published 05/07/25 at 6:05 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) - Spring means lots of baby animals throughout Oregon's natural areas – and not just the coastline.

It also means people with the right intentions can do the worst. Every year, Oregon wildlife officials have to deal with a small rush of someone coming across a baby from the Wild Kingdom, and thinking they're abandoned they take it away from its world – and its mama.

The best approach is to leave it undisturbed. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife ODFW advises that if you pick up young wildlife, the right response is to return it to its natural habitat.

“Kidnapping young wild animals can take away their best chance at survival,” said ODFW. “The misconception that a young animal found alone has been abandoned or orphaned often leads well-intentioned individuals to intervene, but this can harm the animal and hinder its chances of survival. It could also lead to a warning or citation from the Oregon State Police.”

Taking wildlife from its habitat is illegal in Oregon and can lead to warnings or citations from the Oregon State Police. Oregon law prohibits the removal and captivity of live wildlife without authorization.

ODFW photo

Each spring, wildlife officials and rehabilitators receive numerous calls from people who have picked up deer fawns, elk calves, fledgling birds, or other young animals they assumed were orphaned. Unfortunately, even animals that receive care from licensed wildlife rehabilitators may struggle to return to the wild. There are limited options for placing rescued wildlife in sanctuaries or zoos, and animals that cannot adapt may need to be euthanized. Some animals raised by people can also become dangerous as they mature, posing risks to human safety.

RECENT INCIDENT: Authorities Seek Suspect Who Stabbed Baby Seal on Oregon Coast - Attack happened in Neskowin: see the police drawing

In one outrageous case, experts had to retrieve a baby seal from a hotel bathtub on the Oregon coast.

Caring for wild animals at home without a license is both illegal and harmful. Licensed rehabilitators receive specialized training to meet the dietary, medical, and environmental needs of wildlife - needs that the average person is not equipped to handle.

There is even the possibility of contracting a pathogen from the animal, such as bird flu.

“To support wildlife responsibly, keep pets away from wild animals, as they can cause stress and danger,” ODFW said. “Dogs should be leashed when outdoors, and cats should remain indoors to protect both wildlife and themselves. Giving animals space and time to recover on their own increases their chances of survival. If you are certain an animal is orphaned - such as seeing a deceased parent or an animal remaining in the same location for an extended period - or if you find an injured animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, ODFW, or the Oregon State Police for guidance.”

Oregon deer and elk typically give birth between May and July. Mothers often leave their young hidden for extended periods while they search for food, returning only when the environment is safe. Seeing a young animal alone does not mean it has been abandoned. Deer and elk perceive dogs as threats and may react aggressively if disturbed.

The same is true for mammal finds on the Oregon coast.

Harbor seal pups are born between March and April, and mothers may leave them alone on beaches or haul-out sites while foraging. Beachgoers should avoid approaching resting seals and sea lions and keep dogs away from these animals. Marine mammal strandings should be reported to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.

Birds and ducklings often get separated from their mothers as well.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted