The mom will come back. Just because a baby wild animal is alone doesn't mean it was abandoned. Its mother will almost always come back - it may just be away for a short period or your presence may have spooked it. The mom is less likely to come back if you are lingering around the baby, so leaving the wildlife alone and moving away from the area is the best way to help reunite mom and baby.

You can spread disease. Picking up or interacting with wildlife can spread disease between the two of you, and can result in medical attention for you or euthanization of the wild animal. Do not touch, feed, or interact with any kind of wildlife.

If you see sick or injured wildlife, do not approach or touch them. Instead, call Broomfield Animal Control at 303-438-6400. Seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by an animal, or had any contact with a wild animal, then contact Broomfield Public Health at 720-887-2220. Rabies post-exposure vaccinations may be needed immediately to prevent the development of rabies. For more information, visit Broomfield.org/ZoonoticDisease.