Take a break from coronavirus news: The 12 adorable baby animal photos you need right now

Jay Cannon, USA TODAY
·1 min read

The news cycle is heavy right now. We get that.

The spread of coronavirus in the United States and around the world has affected many of the things once seen as an escape from the anxieties of everyday life. Concerts have been canceled, sporting events postponed, and spring break plans vastly altered as Americans exercise caution amid the deadly outbreak.

But one thing that's still available to enjoy without fear of infection: These adorable photos of baby sea turtles, bears and other wildlife. They won't stop a pandemic, but maybe they can help you unwind a bit.

Here's some of our favorite baby animals, all found in the Sunshine state.

Sea turtles, which begin nesting in the spring, have existed for 110 million years and yet the species living today face an uncertain future, reports the FWC. Habitat encroachment and degradation, pollution are only some of the hazards that sea turtles must face as they struggle to survive.
Sea turtles, which begin nesting in the spring, have existed for 110 million years and yet the species living today face an uncertain future, reports the FWC. Habitat encroachment and degradation, pollution are only some of the hazards that sea turtles must face as they struggle to survive.
In the spring, Florida's black bear mothers are active, teaching their cubs what to eat and the skills necessary to survive.
In the spring, Florida's black bear mothers are active, teaching their cubs what to eat and the skills necessary to survive.
Spring has sprung in the Sunshine State and many species of wildlife are beginning to migrate, mate, feed, nest and give birth. In this photo, taken April 2, 2014,  a sandhill crane tends to its newborn at the nest it shares with its mate in Jensen Beach.
Spring has sprung in the Sunshine State and many species of wildlife are beginning to migrate, mate, feed, nest and give birth. In this photo, taken April 2, 2014, a sandhill crane tends to its newborn at the nest it shares with its mate in Jensen Beach.
Wading birds, such as herons, egrets, and pelicans also are nesting now on mangroves and tree islands. This photo, taken March 4, 2020, shows great blue heron chicks interacting with each other in a nest at Lakes Park in Fort Myers.
Wading birds, such as herons, egrets, and pelicans also are nesting now on mangroves and tree islands. This photo, taken March 4, 2020, shows great blue heron chicks interacting with each other in a nest at Lakes Park in Fort Myers.
Keep your distance from nesting birds. Here, an osprey family, parented by two adult osprey nicknamed Ricky and Lucy, and their two chicks, spend the morning searching for fish and resting in their nest on March 3, 2020.
Keep your distance from nesting birds. Here, an osprey family, parented by two adult osprey nicknamed Ricky and Lucy, and their two chicks, spend the morning searching for fish and resting in their nest on March 3, 2020.
Baby alligators rest on a dead log at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary on Feb. 28, 2019. (Submitted photo via Florida Today)
Baby alligators rest on a dead log at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary on Feb. 28, 2019. (Submitted photo via Florida Today)
Two species of rabbits are in Florida, the Eastern cottontail, which is pictured here, and the marsh rabbit.
Two species of rabbits are in Florida, the Eastern cottontail, which is pictured here, and the marsh rabbit.
Florida’s only native tortoise, the gopher tortoise, becomes more active, foraging for food and searching for a mate in the spring. A baby gopher tortoise is shown in this photo taken Nov. 13, 2018.
Florida’s only native tortoise, the gopher tortoise, becomes more active, foraging for food and searching for a mate in the spring. A baby gopher tortoise is shown in this photo taken Nov. 13, 2018.
Manatees are considered one of Florida’s keystone species whose behavior can alert researchers to the environmental and habitat changes that may otherwise go unnoticed in Florida’s waterways for extended periods of time, according to the FWC.
Manatees are considered one of Florida’s keystone species whose behavior can alert researchers to the environmental and habitat changes that may otherwise go unnoticed in Florida’s waterways for extended periods of time, according to the FWC.
Adult male deer in Florida averages 115 pounds, but can reach 190 pounds or more in North Florida. The smaller females average 90 pounds with larger females weighing 120 pounds or more.
Adult male deer in Florida averages 115 pounds, but can reach 190 pounds or more in North Florida. The smaller females average 90 pounds with larger females weighing 120 pounds or more.
Throughout most of the year it's easy to tell males from females. The bucks, the males, have antlers. Antler growth generally begins in the spring and by the summer the antlers are covered with a velvet. Antlers are shed in late winter or early spring after the breeding season ends.
Throughout most of the year it's easy to tell males from females. The bucks, the males, have antlers. Antler growth generally begins in the spring and by the summer the antlers are covered with a velvet. Antlers are shed in late winter or early spring after the breeding season ends.
A snowy plover chick surveys its surroundings on the south end of Fort Myers Beach on Tuesday 5/29/2018. Image was published in June.
A snowy plover chick surveys its surroundings on the south end of Fort Myers Beach on Tuesday 5/29/2018. Image was published in June.

Follow USA TODAY's Jay Cannon on Twitter: @JayTCannon

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Too much coronavirus news? Here are the baby animal pictures you need