California Department of Fish and Wildlife remind the public to leave young wildlife alone - even if they find an animal that appears to be abandoned. Mothers often spend a significant amount of time away from their young while foraging. Do not attempt to intervene and pick up the young animal and remove it from its habitat. Young animals removed from their natural environment typically do not develop the survival skills needed to be released back into the wild. Wild animals, even young ones, can also cause serious injury when scared and transmit diseases to humans, including rabies and tularemia. If you see a young animal that appears to be distressed, contact a wildlife rehabilitation facility.