Experts Warn Against 'Rescuing' Baby Wildlife in East Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife cautions against interfering with young animals in the wild

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:53pm

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A grid of brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen images of a baby deer nestled in tall grass, rendered in a bold, abstract pop art style with heavy black outlines and overlapping neon hues.A vibrant pop art interpretation of the baby wildlife that East Texas residents are advised to leave undisturbed in the wild.Longview Today

As more people move to the rural areas of East Texas, there has been an increase in well-intentioned attempts to 'rescue' baby wildlife spotted in tall grass or backyards. However, wildlife experts strongly advise against this, explaining that the animals' mothers are usually nearby and the babies are not actually abandoned or in danger.

Why it matters

Interfering with young wildlife can actually cause more harm than good, as it may lead the mother to abandon the baby. Texas Parks and Wildlife urges residents to leave the animals alone and only contact licensed rehabilitators if an animal appears to be injured.

The details

Texas Parks and Wildlife warns that people should not attempt to 'rescue' any young wildlife they encounter, as the mother is likely nearby and the babies are capable of caring for themselves. Picking up or moving the animals can cause the mother to abandon them, thinking something is wrong. The department advises contacting permitted wildlife rehabilitators if an animal appears injured, as handling certain wildlife could expose people to diseases like rabies.

  • Spring is the time of year when more young wildlife are spotted in the countryside and even in urban areas of East Texas.

The players

Texas Parks and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Texas' natural resources, including wildlife.

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What’s next

Texas Parks and Wildlife provides a directory for finding licensed wildlife rehabilitators in local areas to properly assist any injured or orphaned animals.

The takeaway

While the desire to help baby animals is understandable, wildlife experts caution that interfering with young wildlife in East Texas can do more harm than good. The best approach is to leave the animals alone and only contact licensed professionals if an animal appears to be injured or in distress.