THE RSPCA appeals to readers to help protect wildlife this spring by resisting the temptation to intervene and pick up wild baby animals.

Each year the society is flooded with calls from people who have misguidedly taken in fledglings, and other young animals, thinking they have been abandoned or orphaned. In fact, the mother is often waiting nearby and in many cases the animals would be better off left alone.

Not only will interfering do the animal more harm than good, but of serious concern this year is the threat that handling fledglings and baby animals could help spread foot and mouth disease.

Fledglings, in particular, are often found in gardens. If you are worried about a baby bird then leave it alone for an hour or so before checking on its progress. Alternatively, if it is in immediate danger, move it out of harm's way and withdraw.

In most cases the bird will be gone when you return. A genuinely sick or orphaned fledgling should be taken - along with a detailed note of where it was found - to your nearest vet or RSPCA centre for treatment.

Research shows that fox cubs are best left alone and should only be handled in an absolute emergency.

Because of the foot and mouth crisis, hedgehogs, deer, squirrels, rats and mice which possibly need attention should not be moved under any circumstances.

Anyone who finds such an animal in distress should contact the RSPCA or the nearest veterinary practise with details.

For further information or a leaflet on baby wildlife contact the RSPCA inquiries office on 0870 3335999.

Mike Peters,

Chairman York and District Branch RSPCA,

York Animals House,

Landing Lane,

Clifton,

York.

Updated: 13:55 Friday, April 20, 2001