JEFFERSON COUNTY – Springtime is home to, arguably, one of Mother Nature's cutest phenomenons: baby wildlife.
Animal Control Officers in Jefferson County have been capturing magical moments between mother mammal and offspring for weeks as they poke their furry little heads and tails out to explore the warm weather.
Yes, they're adorable. Yes, they make great photography subjects. But, animal control officers are pleading with the public not to pet or touch wildlife.
Oftentimes, young wildlife will be spending time alone, and it's important they aren't disturbed.
Last week, a Good Samaritan reported what they thought was a dead fawn, when in fact it was just laying alone in the grass. Young fawns have no scent and are born with speckled coats that provide camouflage from predators.
"This 'alone time', if you will, allows the animals to learn to avoid predators and live in the wild. It is also important for us to advise our young ones to not disturb the animals which could cause injury to the animals," The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office wrote on their Facebook Page.
Household animals can also be dangerous to wildlife.
At Evergreen Lake Sunday, a dog chased an elk and her baby into the water. Animal Control warns mother animals can become protective of their young if they feel they're being threatened.
