Summer is a great time to head out into the wilderness and experience nature, but Dallas County Conservation reminds you that most of the time you shouldn’t try to interfere with nature.

This is especially true when it comes to baby animals you may come across. Forest Park Museum Curator Pete Malberg knows it may be tempting to try and “save” a baby animal you believe to be abandoned, but more often than not you should just leave them alone. “You’re going to see a lot of baby animals out there, and you can walk up to them and say ‘Hi,’ or something. But if they’re not injured, please don’t touch them. Some of them carry diseases, they can actually defend themselves, scratch you, hurt you. And unless they show visible injuries, just leave them alone, the mother will come back.”

Malmberg says throughout the summer they get many calls about baby wood ducks, rabbits, raccoons, and other creatures, but he emphasizes that they most likely do not need your help. The exception to the rule, however, is if the animal is noticeably injured or being attacked. Conservation frequently treats owls and other raptor species that are injured in the wild. If you do happen to see an injured wild animal, Malmberg encourages you to contact Dallas County Conservation at 515-465-3577, and they will send a professional to care for it.