A family hiking a trail in Texas this weekend made a startling discovery when they discovered an abandoned newborn baby wrapped in a towel.
Authorities said the baby found Saturday night was “newly born” with remnants of the umbilical cord still present.
The family immediately called emergency authorities.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday the baby was in stable condition at a hospital in Katy, Texas.
The sheriff’s office said an “unknown male” left the baby on a small bridge, but they have not yet identified a suspect.
Around 9:00 local time, Daniela Fedele was walking on a trail with her husband, three-year-old daughter, and their dogs when she spotted something.
“I noticed two little feet moving… and I shouted to my husband: ‘Oh my God, a baby, a baby!’” Ms. Fedele told a local TV station. AREA. Her husband quickly shouted to call emergency services.
She said they rushed to pick up the baby and found somewhere shady. Weather forecasts in the area showed temperatures that day reaching a high of 96F (35.5C).
“This image kept playing in my head many times,” Ms. Fedele said. “How can you do that?”
The Texas Safe Haven Act, also known as the Baby Moses Law, allows parents who feel unable to care for their children to take them to a fire station, hospital or emergency medical services station. . Surrendered newborns must by law be 60 days old or younger and unharmed.
The sheriff’s office said after the baby is examined and treated by doctors, Texas Child Protective Services will become involved.
The person who abandoned the baby could face charges of abandonment and child endangerment.
