According to DNR biologists, adult animals frequently leave their young to forage for food, but they rarely abandon their young. They conceal their young from other animals and humans in order to protect them. When people handle or move young animals, it increases the likelihood that parent animals may abandon them or be unable to find them. Ellis suggests that it is some times possible to gently return young birds to their nest if they have fallen and then to stay clear of the area so the adult bird can take care of them. Young animals often appear harmless, but some may bite or scratch people who attempt to handle them.
Some species carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Occasionally, well-meaning people attempt to adopt young animals as pets. Driven by their instincts, these animals may become aggressive and territorial as they grow older. They can damage homes or endanger people caring for them. Animals raised by humans also lack skills to acquire food and shelter on their own or to compete with other animals. Consequently, if they are released, they are less able to survive than other wild animals.