Each spring and summer, millions of baby birds, squirrels, fawns and other wild animals are born into the world. Their parents are programmed to take care of them. But when humans and wildlife occupy the same habitat, it is not unusual for the public to come upon one of these babies.
Many of the babies that fall into the hands of rehabilitators are not in need or rescue, but have been taken away as their parents watch quietly from a hidden location. And while many wildlife rehabilitators are trained to provide the best care possible, no one can do as good a job as “mom” and very effort should be made to reunite a healthy baby with its parents.
So, how do you discern whether or not a baby animal is in need of rescue? Below are some tips on advising the public on how to proceed when deciding to rescue or not to rescue wildlife.
Baby birds that are not well-feathered and juvenile squirrels should be re-nested.
If uninjured, these animals can be returned to the nest or a substitute nest can be created using a wicker or hanging basket lined with straw. Place it as close the original nest site as possible. Baby mammals must be warm for the parents to accept them. Filling a sock with warmed, dry rice or beans and placing it inside the nest works well. Watch for 3 hours from a safe distance to ensure parents return to the babies before sending them to a rehabilitator.
Fledgling songbirds hop on the ground for several days before flying.
Fully feathered fledglings require a different approach in reuniting them with their parents. Place the fledgling on a nearby branch off the ground or back in the vicinity where it was originally found and leave the area. Listen or look for an adult calling to its baby. Watch to ensure the parents find the bird. Despite the presence of cats, the parents need to be the ones to raise the baby. Outside cats are in every neighborhood. This is not enough reason alone to intervene. Keep cats and dogs indoors during this time, or turn on sprinklers to keep neighbor’s pets away. If the parents are not seen returning to the baby after 3 hours, then consider the baby orphaned.
Any lone duckling(s) or goslings(s) will require a licensed wildlife rehabilitator’s help.
A mother duck or goose provides waterproofing, warmth and protection for her young. So without her presence, lone downy ducklings or gosling will certainly perish.
Any opossum that is smaller than the size of a 6-week old kitten is in need of rescue.
Opossum babies become active between 2-3 moths of age. This is the time when they venture from the pouch, and may accidentally fall off and get ”left behind” by mom. There is no reuniting it with the mother. At this age, they will lack the skill needed for survival and need care.
Fawns and bunnies are left alone for long periods, only being fed at dusk and dawn.
Unless the parent is KNOWN to be dead or there are obvious sings of injury or illness, it is best to leave them alone. Parents intentionally stay away from the babies, so seeing their return is unlikely.
To return baby rabbits to the nest or to determine if the nest is abandoned, wipe hands on the grass before replacing any fur, nesting material or babies. Using string, place as “star” pattern neatly over the nest. If the pattern has not been disturbed within 12 hours, then assume the babies are in need of rescue. If a pet has found a rabbit’s nest, the pet should be followed to that nest. Unless the pet can be kept inside, all bunnies will need to be rescued or the pet will be return for each one.
Baby rabbits that are 5 inches long, or the size of a 12 once soda can, are on their own and DO NOT need to be brought to a rehabilitator unless injured.
Deer sometimes leave their fawns in the oddest places, perhaps on a porch or in the middle of a back yard. If a fawn looks healthy and is resting peacefully, then everything is probably fine. The mother will not reject the fawn due to human scent; it is best not to touch it. If dogs pose a risk, they should remain inside until mom has had a chance to relocate the fawn.
Fawns that have mistakenly been removed can be returned to their mothers if taken back to where they were found within 12 hours. If a fawn is accidentally startled, return the fawn to the area in which it was found and it will usually locate the mother by itself.
The goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide professional care to the sick, inured and orphaned wild animals so they can ultimately be returned to their natural habitats. Any animal that is obviously sick or injured, has been caught by a cat or dog, has flies or ants on it, needs additional care and should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. However, wildlife parents have an extremely strong instinct to care for their young and are not deterred easily form their babies, despite disturbances or being touched by humans. Animal care professionals can play a valuable part in helping the public discern whether a wild animal truly need help, so that resources remain for the wildlife truly in need or rescue. For more information on rescuing inured and orphaned wildlife, visit the Carolina Wildlife Care website at www.CarolinaWildlife.org
