It’s spring and there are young animals about.

People who are out and about will be able to witness this portion of the circle of life. They may observe, even take photographs, if they like.

What they should not do, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is interfere.

“While some young animals might appear to be abandoned, usually they are not,” according to a Game Commission press release. “It’s likely their mothers are watching over them from somewhere nearby. Those young animals probably aren’t abandoned at all, meaning that anyone stepping in to try to help not only is taking that youngster away from its mother, but also destroying its chances to grow up as it was intended.”

“So, when encountering young deer, birds, raccoons, or other wildlife, the best thing people can do is leave the animals alone,” the press release said.

It is even more important that people not approach animals of any age, that are showing signs of distress or illness. “In all cases where a young animal seems to be in distress, people should back away and call the Pennsylvania Game Commission,” Wildlife Conservation Officer David Donachy said. “Let an officer make the decision as to what should be done with it.”

The consequences for that animal will be severe if there is possible human exposure. “Once someone is exposed to a mammal that might be sick, the animal will be destroyed for testing,” Donachy said. “The most frequent encounters are with raccoons, fawns, and rabbits.”

People should also take precautions to keep their animals away.

“If there is potential for domestic animals to come in contact with a wild animal, move the domestic animal away and call the Game Commission if the wild animal is too young to take care of itself,” Donachy said. “In most cases, left undisturbed, the mother will come to the assistance of the young animal.”

Taking care of a young, seemingly abandoned animal might seem noble, but the Game Commission cautions that it is unhealthy for the animal, dangerous for the person, and possibly illegal.

“Wildlife that becomes habituated to humans also can pose a public-safety risk,” according to the press release. “Wild animals can lose their natural fear of humans, making it difficult, even impossible, for them to ever again live normally in the wild. Any time wildlife is handled, there’s always a risk people could contract diseases or parasites such as fleas, ticks, and lice.”

The press release mentioned a case in which a family took a fawn into their home and raised it about a year. As a yearling, the six-point buck seriously injured two neighbors.

“It is illegal to take or possess wildlife from the wild,” according to the press release. “Under no circumstances will anyone who illegally takes wildlife into captivity be allowed to keep that animal.”