WILDLIFE: It’s the time of year to be outside more often — when it isn’t raining.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has a list of things everyone can do to help wildlife.

First, let wildlife be wild. Sure, those little baby bunnies and deer fawns are adorable, but they will get along far better if you leave them alone. Even if the babies appear abandoned, know that wildlife parents often leave their young alone and hidden to avoid attracting predators, but come back to nurse them several times a day.

Don’t feed wildlife.

People food could make animals sick.

And be sure to give animals plenty of space.

Plant native plants.

‘Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers provides both food and cover for many wildlife species. Native plants benefit birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and small mammals, which play an important role in sustaining healthy ecosystems. Non-native or invasive plants can have harmful ecological impacts because they outcompete native plant species and do not provide nearly as many benefits to wildlife.’

Install a nesting box.

‘Placing a nest box on your property can provide safe nesting areas for many species of birds and small mammals to raise their young. Properly managed nest boxes can be critically important to cavity-nesting species like bluebirds and purple martins.’

Secure food, garbage and recycling. ‘Once a bear finds easy access to food, they are likely to come back for more. To limit human-bear interactions, be sure to bring pet food containers and bird feeders inside at night; keep trash cans and recycle bins inside until collection day; and regularly clean and remove grease from outside grills.’