In general, many animals will not abandon their young just because a human touches them. The belief that animals will reject their offspring due to human scent is a common myth. Most animals do not rely solely on their sense of smell to recognize their young; they use multiple cues, including visual and vocal cues.
However, there are some species where human interference may lead to parental abandonment or rejection of their young. Here are a few examples:
Birds: Some bird species, particularly those that nest on the ground or in accessible locations, may abandon their nests or chicks if they sense human presence nearby. This is an adaptive behavior to protect their young from potential threats.
Deer: Fawns are often left alone by their mothers for extended periods while the mothers go off to feed. If a human approaches and touches a fawn, it may leave a human scent on the fawn, and the mother might be hesitant to return if she senses a potential predator's presence.
Rabbits: Similar to deer, mother rabbits often leave their young in a well-hidden nest and return to nurse them intermittently. If a human handles the young rabbits, the mother may become hesitant to return.
Marine Mammals: Some marine mammals, like seals or sea lions, may abandon their pups if they are disturbed by human presence on beaches or other resting areas.
It's essential to remember that the best course of action when encountering young wildlife is to observe from a distance and avoid touching or interfering with them. In many cases, the mother will return once humans have left the area, and the young will have a better chance of survival when left undisturbed in their natural environment. If you encounter a situation where you believe young animals are in distress or abandoned, it's best to contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers or animal authorities for guidance and assistance.