Yes, the mother will still return for her babies even if it has "human scent" on it; however, you should never handle any wildlife unless absolutely necessary! If you have found orphaned wildlife, please read the chart below to determine if it can be safely "re-nested", or give us a call if you are unsure.

Native wildlife is categorized as living in the region before European colonization, beginning in the late 16th century. Examples include white-tailed deer, bluejays, and snapping turtles. Non-native, or invasive, wildlife has been introduced to this region either purposefully or by accident. Examples include the European starling, the Cane toad, and the Burmese python.

Not necessarily. Nursing mothers who require more calories in order to produce enough milk to feed their babies may be seen during the daytime. Never approach any wildlife that you fear may be sick, and observe for normal behavior from a distance. 

No, never remove a turtle from its territory! If you see a turtle or tortoise crossing the road, please help it safely across the street in the direction it is heading. It may not make sense to us where it is going, but the turtle has a destination in mind! Moving turtles/tortoises out of their territory can transmit diseases to other populations or cause them to wander back hundreds of miles to their original home. During this time, they can become exhausted and disoriented. 

Limiting food, water, and shelter sources may help reduce wildlife from visiting your yard and digging holes. Pet food, bird seed, fruit trees, or gardens attract visiting animals, bird baths, water bowls or other types of standing water. Reducing these and things we may not see as shelters, like piles of firewood, tarps, or anything not moved regularly could cut back on nuisance wildlife.