The Arizona Game and Fish Department has seized a deer, bobcat, and javelina that were being kept as pets.
According to AZGFD, the animals were illegally taken captive by Tucson residents.
In the majority of cases, it is best to leave all baby wildlife alone. People’s desire to help seemingly abandoned animals can have unintended negative consequences, said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson. Although it seems humane to ’help’ or ’rescue’ baby animals perceived to be in need, wildlife reared in captivity by humans without the benefit of learning from their parents have a greatly reduced chance of survival if they are released back into the wild.
Taking captive and holding young wildlife is illegal according to AZGFD.
The deer was taken to AZGFD Wildlife Center in Phoenix for treatment, the bobcat was placed at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum and the Javelina was moved to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale.
