Why You Shouldn't Touch Baby Animals In South Dakota

Soon we'll see a lot of adorable baby ducklings, bunnies, and other young critters in the Sioux Empire. But South Dakota officials are warning people not to touch these cute animals.

The folks at South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks understand that you just want to help young ducklings and bunnies thrive. But touching them can actually do more harm than good.

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As a friendly reminder to all South Dakota residents, the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks made a Facebook post explaining the dangers of helping these wild babies.

The best thing you can do to keep these South Dakota creatures safe is to leave them alone.

Sometimes people are concerned that baby animals have been lost or abandoned, but mothers often leave their young for several hours before coming back to them.

You may think you're being helpful, but picking up the baby animals can actually be harmful. This spring, please remember to keep wild animals wild!

So what's so bad about helping wild baby animals who call South Dakota home? According to South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks officials, the babies might be rejected by their mom if there's any trace of human contact. Plus, you never know if the animals carry diseases that can spread.

Every spring and summer, people find young wild animals that appear to be alone or orphaned. The vast majority of the time, these animals are intentionally left alone as their mother, their main caregiver, is temporarily away finding food for herself and her young. By taking these young animals into captivity, you expose them to diseases and stress. You may also expose yourself, your family and pets to parasites, injuries and diseases such as rabies. These are among the many reasons it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets.

The young animals cannot survive this big world without their mom. Just remember this: "If you care, leave it there." But if you're sure that a young animal has been abandoned, the best plan is to contact the Wildlife Division Office, Wildlife Conservation Officer, or Wildlife Damage Specialist here.

I know the babies are cute, but do your best to keep your distance!

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Best Hiking Trails Around Sioux Falls

There's nothing like spending a few hours outdoors enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer. And what better place to explore but right in your own backyard?

The Sioux Falls area has some fantastic hiking trails. Thanks to Experience Sioux Falls and their hiking guide we can start exploring today.

What a great resource, Experience Sioux Falls is really on top of everything our city has to offer and that includes scenic outdoor fun.

You may think that all these places are part of a state park. Well, some are which require a State Park sticker to enter. And some you don't.