Spring Babies and Other Wildlife
WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS are dedicated to the rehabilitation of native wildlife. However, they recognize that wild babies are better left with and raised by wild parents. Two important things to remember when you see wildlife: First - If it runs from you, leave it alone, unless it is a bird unable to fly. Second - If you find a wild baby, put it back unless it is injured.
Wild animals do not abandon their babies. Check later to see if the parents have come back or retrieved the baby. Some situations in which you should intervene:
Young animals that have been taken from their nest or den by a pet or other predator. Young animals covered with fleas, maggots or ants Young animals in a dangerous place (i.e. in the road, near pets, etc.) Young animals huddled near a dead female. Young animals found in a chimney with no parent around.
Mature Injured Wildlife: Your help is needed if an animal can be captured easily or does not attempt to flee your approach appears to have problems with movement: It if sits on the road, not moving for traffic If it is convulsing or not breathing normally If it has a drooping wing or runs when other birds fly If it sits for a long time with its feathers puffed out If it is bleeding
If you decide to help, remember that wildlife will NOT be grateful for your help. You are a predator to them. They may react by retaliating with claws, teeth, hooves or talons, which is instinctual for their survival. Wear heavy leather gloves. Call your nearest wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Once the animal has been contained, ***DO NOT HANDLE IT***
Do's and Don'ts of Transporting
DO: Place the animal in a secure cardboard box with small holes placed in the side or lid. The box should be just big enough for the animal to stand and turn around, to prevent the animal from thrashing around and hurting itself. Place paper towels or a soft cloth on the bottom of the box. DO: Keep the box in a warm, quiet, dark place, away from family pets. Often wild animals will be in shock and very scared. DO: Put a heating pad on LOW under half of the box f the animal is injured, cold, or featherless/hairless, placing a folded towel in between the heating pad and the box. Small creatures that cannot move need to be checked to see that they do not get too hot.
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