(AP) — Nebraska wildlife officials say people who spot a young wild animal alone should not assume it has been abandoned.

While the urge to “rescue” a young animal is normal, Nebraska Game and Parks officials say such young animals should be left alone.

Officials say a lone fawn, young bird or other animal may appear to be abandoned or injured, but the mother frequently is off feeding, drinking or drawing predators away from its young. Moving young animals could mean a longer separation from its mother and a slimmer chance that it will be reunited with her. In some cases, an orphaned fawn will be adopted by other deer.

Officials also warn against trying to raise wildlife young as pets. Most are protected, and it is illegal to possess them.