How To 'Respect' 'Problematic' Wildlife In New York State

Top New York officials are urging New Yorkers to "respect wildlife."

The New York State DEC released tips on how you can "respect wildlife."

DEC Urges New Yorkers to Respect Wildlife

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Officials say you can "respect wildlife" and "appreciate wildlife" by staying a safe distance away and resisting the urge to touch or move young wildlife.

Leaving Young Animals Alone

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The DEC is also reminding New Yorkers that even if you see young wildlife, like fawns and baby birds, without a parent these animals are "rarely abandoned."

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Parents often place their young somewhere safe, in hopes of keeping them hidden from predators, while they go off to collect food for their offspring.

"While some might think these baby animals need assistance, human interactions with wildlife typically do more harm than good. Please remember: if you care, leave it there," Mahar added.

Human Interactions with Wildlife Do More Harm than Good

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Human interaction with young wildlife can be "problematic," according to the DEC.

If You Care, Leave It There

"Most people have the best intentions when they find wild animals, but if a fawn, baby bird, or other young wildlife is found, please remember, 'If You Care, Leave It There,'" the DEC stated.

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What If You See a Sick Or Injured Animals

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Don't interact with a wild animal if you think you found a sick, injured or potentially abandoned animal. Instead, call the New York State DEC right away.

"Rehabilitators are the only people legally allowed to receive and treat distressed wildlife, and have the experience, expertise, and facilities to successfully treat and release wild animals," the DEC added in its press release.

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

What exotic animals are legal to own as pets in New York? What animals are banned? Find out below:

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany