Animal ER
Updated: January 30, 2026
There are many types of wildlife in Montana, and during the spring many new animals are born all across the state. White-tailed deer fawns curl up in tall grass, elk calves hide near the edge of forests, and fuzzy Canada goose goslings wobble along the shore of ponds and rivers. In the mountains, tiny snowshoe hare kits and marten kits are born while bald eagles and great horned owls are already busy feeding chicks in high nests.
Often what appears to be an abandoned or orphaned animal is simply a baby whose mother has left to search for food. Deer and elk mothers may leave their spotted fawns or calves alone for hours at a time, because staying very still and quiet in good hiding cover is the safest thing for those youngsters to do. Rabbits and many ground-nesting birds also leave their young alone much longer than human parents would, and they only return to feed them when it is safest. So if you see a baby animal lying by itself, the mother is most likely nearby and periodically checking on its offspring-even if you can-t see her.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and other wildlife experts say the most important rule is: "If you care, leave them there." Picking up a fawn, elk calf, baby bird, or other youngster can actually scare the parent away for longer and may cause the baby to be abandoned for real. Wild animals can also carry diseases and parasites that might make people or pets sick, so touching or taking them home is dangerous-and it is illegal to keep most wild animals as pets in Montana.
If you truly think an animal is injured or its parent is dead, the best thing to do is keep your distance, keep pets and little brothers or sisters away, and have an adult call a wildlife expert for advice. In Montana you can contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or the Montana WILD Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Helena to ask what to do next. By learning when to watch and when to walk away, you can help protect deer, elk, birds, and many other native animals that share Montana's wild backyards.
Also, learn how to identify the different types of bears in Montana and test your knowledge with a Bear Quiz!
- Montana Kids Help Give Bears A Second Chance
- Bear Facts
- The Montana Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center
- Montana Kids, Wildlife and Vince
- Look But Don't Touch
- Things Kids Can Do to Save Wildlife and Habitats
Updated: January 30, 2026
