BIG NO: Bringing This Baby Home In Utah is Highly Illegal

Who can resist a puppy or baby goats. They make you want to run up and hug them for all their cuteness. Take a good look at this baby animal before you do, as it might be a wild animal.

Not Made for Domestic Life

Coyotes have adapted to life in urban areas. It is very possible the cute puppy you found stranded by the road is not actually a dog. Look at this picture of a coyote pup. It would be tempting to scoop him up and bring him home.

Wild Animals are not Allowed as Pets

Same with this little Raccoon pictured below. They are also illegal to bring home as a pets. This is one you wouldn't mistake for a puppy or a kitten and, even though he is super cute, he doesn't belong in your house.

Don’t touch any wildlife at all no matter what you think they need. If you are worried for the welfare of the animal, call the Division of Wildlife Services and let them know what you found. The DWR will know exactly what to do in each situation. 

The DWR has Found People with Baby Coyotes, Raccoons and Even Fawns

It is illegal to take any protected species out of the wild. Cougars, deer, bears, many bird species and even rabbits should be left alone in the wild. Many of these wild animals are cute when they are little and then grow up to be dangerous. 

There are several reasons to keep people from handling wild animals the first being the welfare of the little critters. The mother may just be foraging and will be back soon. 

You can expose yourself to diseases and parasites that can be transferred to humans as well as pets. The environment can also be negatively impacted when you decide to take home a wild animal.

Read More: Protection Against Wild Utah Animals Most People Wouldn't Think Of

If you do have an illegal animal without any sort of permit, the DWR or the health department can seize the animal immediately. There are also several reptiles on the list. The best advice is to enjoy looking at nature and admiring it, but leave it in nature no matter how cute or in danger you think the animal is.