HOW TO DETERMINE IF A WILD ANIMAL NEEDS YOUR HELP
Mammal (furry) babies are adapted for survival with many natural defenses such as camouflage, a lack of scent, the ability to stay perfectly still - all designed to avoid detection by predators. When humans touch a baby or a nest site, they destroy this natural defense system.
DO NOT assume these babies are abandoned - Mom may just be off feeding or watching from a safe distance, waiting for you to leave!
But a nest that is in danger of being destroyed needs to be moved so that the mother will find it. (see "how to relocate a nest") If there is no safe place to move the nest to, it and all the babies should be picked up very carefully, placed in a securely covered box. Infants need continuous warmth and nourishment. Get them to a rehabilitator immediately.
HOW TO RELOCATE A NEST
To safely move a nest so that the mother will be able to locate it may take some time. DO NOT REMOVE BABIES FROM THE NEST OR TOUCH INSIDE THE NEST. Using gloves, scoop under the nest, taking with it as much of the surrounding material as possible. Be very careful not to drop the babies. Move it to a safer location within a few feet of the original site. This can be done once a day until it reaches the final, safe location. To be sure that the mother has returned and found the nest, observe from a distance at dawn and dusk after each move. Or check the babies to see if they're tummies are round and full. This will mean the mother has fed them.
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one week old. Furry, eyes almost open. About 3" long. |
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Fully furred, eyes open. About 5" long. |
Birds are different. They do not belong on the ground as a rule. However, there are ground nesting species like quail. These nests are not usually easy to see and a nestling that wanders into view should be left alone as long as there is no obvious injury. Other tree nesting species should be returned to the nest as soon as possible. Birds do not have a strong sense of smell and will NOT reject the baby as a mammal might.
Free roaming pets are responsible for more than 75% of injured wildlife. Whenever a dog or cat is involved, it is ALWAYS SERIOUS. Internal injuries are undetectable and obvious wounds are highly contaminated.
Orphans need continuous nourishment and injuries need proper medical attention.
GET THE ANIMAL TO A REHABILITATOR IMMEDIATELY.
Call and get the animal to a rehabilitator immediately!
Every minute counts if we are to save a wild life.
If you must move a wild animal in order to help it, here are
some tips to give the animal the best chance of survival:
Keep it warm. . . Keep it quiet. . .
Find a quiet place, away from people and pets.
Place the animal on a towel, in a box with a secure top.
Put a heating pad under the box set on low.
DO NOT give food or water to any animal.
DO NOT keep peeking into the box. This stress can kill an already weakened animal.
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