AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding residents that baby animals, while cute, are best left alone. In fact, state law prevents human meddling.

The reminder comes just ahead of fawning season — when baby deer start to appear across the Lone Star State.

Texas wildlife reminder

TPWD says they know it’s tempting to want to help baby animals that appear to need assistance. However, they’re reminding Texans, not only is it illegal to touch the animals, but they often don’t need the help. 

What they’re saying:

“People want to help, but intervening is often the worst thing you can do,” said Richard Heilbrun, TPWD Division Deputy Director. “Most young animals are not abandoned, their parents are nearby and will return. The best thing you can do is give them space.”

It’s illegal to capture or keep wild animals under Texas law without the proper permits, and attempting to relocate them is also not allowed except under very specific regulations. 

Texas animal sightings

White-tailed deer fawning season starts in early to mid-May, the department says, and mother deer — or does — will often leave their babies hidden for hours at a time before they return to feed them. Since fawns are well-camouflaged with their spotted coats in infancy, those “hiding places” are often in plain sight, where they blend into their surroundings. The department wants residents to know that those fawns aren’t abandoned; rather, their mothers are most often out finding food. 

Baby birds are also often mistaken as abandoned and in need of rescue. Species like doves, blue jays and mockingbirds will spend a lot of time on the ground as babies while they learn to fly, and it’s common to think they need help getting back to safety. In actuality, the department says, their parents are still nearby keeping watch, and humans’ attempts to assist can be more of a hindrance. 

(GERMANY OUT) young blackbirds in the bird’s nest (Photo by Hohlfeld/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

Turtles are often seen in Texas this time of year as well, particularly, the department notes, while trying to cross roadways. They provided information about helping the reptiles get out of the path of cars, which you can access here, but they’re also reminding residents that wild animals cannot be captured as pets. 

Particularly in South Texas at this time of year, alligator sightings are also on the rise. The warmer months ahead of the summer are the reptiles’ mating period, and it becomes more common to see them crossing roads or sunning near public waterways. Alligators should be avoided, and pets and children should be kept nearby when in common sighting areas.

How to help wild animals

What you can do:

If you find an animal in the wild that truly seems to need immediate help, the first step should always be to contact the wildlife department. 

Reach out to a TPWD wildlife rehabilitator if you find yourself in that position, and never start by trying to handle or relocate an animal on your own. 

Learn more about what to do upon encountering orphaned or injured wildlife on the TPWD Wildlife Division website. Tips from biologists regarding fawns and baby birds are available on the TPWD YouTube channel.

The Virginia Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Trip planned to W.Va.

A bus trip and train ride are planned by the North Huntingdon AARP Senior Citizens for June 17-19.

The bus will leave St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church at 9:30 a.m. June 17 and arrive in Elkins, West Virginia, around 4 p.m. Participants will see a dinner show that evening.

A scenic train ride will take place June 18 and 19.

The price is $855 per person for double occupancy and $1,040 for a single room. The price includes two nights’ accommodations, two dinner shows, and two train rides.

To register, contact Janet Tatters at 412-841-8451.

Church rummage sale

The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 1570 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, will sponsor a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2.

Food will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Blessed Bundles outreach ministry.

Art League workshops

The Norwin Art League has opened registration for a series of community workshops scheduled for May. The sessions, held at 305 Main St., cover a range of mediums including paper art, fiber arts and watercolor.

The following workshops are being offered:

3-D Paper Art (preteen/teen): May 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This youth-focused session costs $25 and includes all materials. Prospective students must register by April 30 and contact Sarah at 412-522-5281 to specify their design preference.

Beginner Crochet: May 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Designed for ages 10 and up, participants will learn to create an amigurumi octopus keychain. The fee is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. The deadline to register is May 11. For questions, contact Heather at 724-433-4869.

Ink and Wash Watercolor: May 16 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This adult workshop (18+) explores the combination of ink and watercolor techniques. No prior experience is required. The cost is $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Registration closes May 14. For additional information, contact connect@StellarisCreativeStudio.com.

Space is limited for all sessions to ensure individual instruction. Participants must preregister and submit payment via norwinartleague.com.

Boy Scouts selling mulch

Boy Scout Troop 284 is accepting orders for its annual mulch sale through April 26.

The mulch is priced at $5 per bag, or $110 for 25 bags. The troop provides free delivery to customers located within the 15642 ZIP code and a surrounding 5-mile radius.

Deliveries are scheduled for May 1–3. In the event of a rainout, the backup dates are May 8–9.

To place an order, call 412-292-7467 or go to Troop284Irwin.com.

Help with heating bills

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) provides cash grants to help Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills.

Through May 8, low-income residents who need assistance paying for their heating bill can apply for a one-time grant of $200 to $1,000 that will be applied directly to their utility provider.

Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The link to apply is pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-the-low-income-home-energy- assistance-program-liheap.

To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on household size. Renters and homeowners are eligible for benefits. You do not need to be on another public assistance program or have unpaid heating bills to qualify.

If you are experiencing an emergency related to your household’s heat, such as broken equipment, or facing utility service termination, you might be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant.

To check your eligibility for LIHEAP and crisis grants, visit peoples-gas.com/help or call 1-800-400-9276.

Homeowner repairs

The nonprofit Carpenter’s Apprentice, a group of volunteers from Norwin and Harrison City area churches who help make repairs to homes of residents in need, is planning a spring fix-up weekend May 15-17.

The organization is seeking volunteers to donate their time and talent toward projects for that weekend. It is also looking for community members, churches and pastors to refer homeowners in need.

Anyone referred to the organization for assistance will be contacted, and a site surveyor will be assigned to speak with the homeowner to determine their needs and decide if the project fits the volunteers’ capabilities. A financial needs assessment also will be conducted by the site surveyor.

Those living within 30 minutes of the Norwin School District — North Huntingdon, Irwin and North Irwin — are eligible to be considered for a home repair.

The Carpenter’s Apprentice was created in 2008 to provide essential repairs to homes to ensure residents can live in a safe and secure environment.

Those who want to volunteer, apply for assistance or refer someone in need can visit the organization’s website at thecarpentersapprentice.org.

State police academy

The Pennsylvania State Police is now accepting applications for its 2026 Law and Leadership Academy – Southwest Location. The application period runs through May 1.

The free program is designed for residents or students in Southwest Pennsylvania, ages 18 and older, who have a high school diploma or GED and are seeking a career in law enforcement. Modeled after professional police academies, the curriculum includes instruction on criminal investigations, traffic laws and police resources, alongside paramilitary training in physical fitness, swimming and marching.

The academy runs from May 11 through Aug. 5. Classes are held:

Mondays: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Saturdays: Two dates (tentative)

The program aims to foster self-discipline and teamwork while giving participants a firsthand look at the cadet experience.

Interested applicants can obtain an application by contacting the Southwest Program Coordinator, Trooper Tristan T. Fay, at tfay@pa.gov, or by visiting www.PATROOPER.com. More information is available on the PSP website.

New members sought

The Association of University People invites potential new members to join them at an event.

The association welcomes singles 50 and older, who are four-year college graduates, to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include picnics, monthly dinners, a book group and meetups at local concerts and wineries.

For more, call 412-353-9088 or email AUPsingles@gmail.com.