Here at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, we recognize the importance of caring for animals who have a low chance of surviving in the wild. Our mission centers around conservation, education, research, and the quality care of Alaska’s wildlife — and a big part of that is knowing when to step in, and when nature should take the lead.

The Myth: All wild baby animals who are alone are orphaned or abandoned.

One of the most persistent wildlife myths we encounter is the belief that any baby animal found alone must be abandoned and in need of rescue. This misconception, though well-intentioned, often leads to unnecessary interference with young animals that are not actually in danger.

Why Wild Babies are Often Left Alone

In the wild, many animal mothers use a survival strategy that may seem counterintuitive to humans: they leave their young unattended for long periods. Species like moose, deer, snowshoe hares, and even some bird species commonly leave their babies hidden in grass, brush, or shallow nests. This isn’t neglect — it’s smart parenting.

Newborn fawns and moose calves, for example, are born with natural camouflage and very little scent. Their stillness and invisibility protect them far better than if their much-larger, scent-carrying mother stayed nearby. By returning only a few times a day to nurse or check on them, the mother reduces the risk of drawing predators to her baby.

Why “Helping” Can Hurt

It’s natural to want to help. No one wants to think of a baby animal alone and afraid. But removing a wild baby from its natural environment can drastically reduce its chances of survival. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to provide care, but even the best rehabilitation is not a perfect substitute for what nature and wild parents provide.

Some of the animals brought to AWCC by the public as “orphans” were not truly abandoned — they were simply left temporarily, as part of their normal development. In these cases, the rescue actually interrupted the animal’s natural upbringing and survival path.

What You Should Do

If you encounter a baby animal alone, here are some steps you can take:

Keep your distance. Watch quietly from afar. Do not approach or touch the animal.
Avoid lingering. The longer you stay, the less likely the mother is to return.
Look for signs of distress. If the animal is clearly injured, vocalizing constantly, crawling toward people, or still in the same location 24 hours later with no sign of a parent, it may need help.
Call a professional. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or center like AWCC. We’re always happy to offer advice before anyone takes action.

Respecting the Wild Means Trusting It

At AWCC, we believe that true conservation begins with understanding — and sometimes, that means resisting the urge to intervene. By educating ourselves and our communities about natural animal behavior, we can foster a deeper respect for the wilderness and ensure wild babies have the best chance to grow up wild and free.

So next time you see a fawn nestled in tall grass or a baby bird on the ground, pause, observe, and remember: alone doesn’t always mean abandoned.