Spring and summer are a busy time, not only for people, but also for animals. Sometimes wildlife lives around the buildings we work in.

Like the otter whose been in and around building 113. That’s okay unless the animals are destroying the structure or attacking people. Then, please call for assistance from the Environmental Affairs Department, (360) 257-8870.

But I’m talking about those cute little newborn animals we think have been abandoned. That’s hard to understand from our human point of view, but it’s true.

Most “abandoned” babies are simply unattended. The wild mothers — and fathers — spend a lot of time away from their young foraging for food for themselves and for their growing family. At such times, there is no choice but to leave the young unattended.

It may seem like taking the animal home is the right thing to do, but most of the time it does more harm than good. The adults are probably nearby. Here are just a few examples:

Adult deer only feed their fawns a few times a day for just a few minutes each time. While the mother is away eating, the fawn is often resting motionless. These behaviors help prevent attracting unwanted attention to the fawn, especially from predators. 

Cottontail rabbits hide their young and come back, sometimes hours later, to care for them.

Baby birds are another target of well-meaning people. Most baby birds found hopping around are old enough to be out of the nest.  The adults will still come feed their young.

Seal pups are often left on the beach while the mother gathers food at sea. When handled by humans, pups can become stressed and may not be reunited their mothers.

While people undoubtedly mean well, unfortunately their compassion is often misguided. The best thing to do is not interfere and just let nature take its course.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a harbor seal or other marine mammal, please leave the animal in place, and contact the National Marine Fisheries Service marine mammal stranding coordinator at (206) 526-6733, or: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org