This fawn was found by a property owner who believed the baby was endangered as the mother was not around and birds were pecking on it. What should you do when you see wildlife in need? We have a wildlife rescue expert in Texarkana and here is what you need to know.

Lori Anderson is the only state and federally licensed wildlife rescue expert in Texarkana. She is also the owner and operator of Toby's Tales Rescue. I spoke with her and asked what to do if you find wildlife that appears to be abandoned and she said "leave it alone."

During my conversation with Lori, we got into more detail regarding the dos and don'ts when it comes to injured and orphaned wildlife. The information below will come in very handy for when you have an encounter with wildlife.

I asked Lori about the fawn situation because like most people, I have no clue what to do when we see young wildlife that appears to be alone. I asked Lori specifically about the fawn at the shelter and she told me, “Never pick up a deer unless it is laying there screaming or it is in danger of being ran over or drowning.” Her suggestion is to, “watch it for a few hours to see if the mother comes back.” She also said, “If the baby isn’t saying anything, leave him because mommy is coming back.”

Most of us will act on emotion and fear of what might happen to baby wildlife. That initial reaction could do more harm than good. Lori said that it is best to “never, never, never touch wildlife unless it is in a troubling area or in danger of immediate harm. The babies will call and momma will come.”

It may not happen while you are standing in the area so back away and monitor the situation. Additionally, you’ve probably heard that mommas won’t take their young back if they have been handled by humans.

“That is and old wives' tale," Lori said. "The mothers will always take their babies back even after a human has touched them. If there is eminent danger to the baby, move it to safety and leave it there for the momma to find.”

After taking into account all of the information Lori shared with us, if you feel you must get the animal to safety, take it to Rankin Veterinary Clinic in Nash, Texas during normal business hours and Lori will pick it up from there. If the animal is in need of immediate care, it can be tended to by the staff at the clinic. Lori Anderson has had this working relationship with the Rankin Clinic for many years and it is the quickest way to get the wildlife to safety.

When it comes to birds, Lori has a federal license to rescue birds. If you find a baby bird out of its nest and it is in danger of a cat or ants eating it up, Lori told me to put it back in its nest. If that nest is destroyed for some reason, she said, "build a new one and put it close by the old nest. The mothers will return and take care of their babies."

Lori Anderson Toby's Tails Facebook
Lori Anderson, Toby's Tails Facebook
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Lori is an excellent wildlife rescuer with more than 20 years of experience and has a successful track record for release back into the wild. Several years ago I needed Lori’s advice on a matter and met up with her during her busy schedule while she was attending a meeting regarding emergency assistance for animals during storms. As I was quizzing her about whatever the animal issue I was having, she was feeding a baby bird that at that moment thought Lori was his mother. It was amazing to watch. She rehabilitates injured wildlife with love, grace and the intent to release the animal back into its natural habitat.

If you would like to follow Lori's rescue and to learn more about Toby's Tales visit them on Facebook. If you would like to make a tax exempt donation to her rescue efforts, she is a member of the Texarkana Animal League Rescue Assistance Program. TAL is a 501(c)3 organization. Download the donation form through the TAL website. Payments can also be made on Lori's vet bill at Rankin Vet Clinic by calling 903-838-5000.

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