What To Do When You Find Injured, Sick or Orphaned Wildlife

Many people want to know "How do I raise this orphaned wild baby bird, squirrel, chipmunk, rabbit or whatever animal” First do not assume every baby animal you see with no parents around it is orphaned. Rabbits nurse their babies twice a day, early in the morning and late in the evening. The rest of the time, the babies are alone in the nest or off exploring the world. Deer do not stay with their fawns and raccoons do not stay with their babies. Baby birds fledge (leave the nest) before they are able to fly (you can't learn to fly sitting in a nest). Their mother still feeds and cares for them until they are self-sufficient.

Unless you are ‘absolutely positive’ the baby is orphaned, do not disturb it and trust the mother will care for it! If you are 100% certain a baby animal is orphaned, do not attempt to raise it yourself. In most areas of the United States it is illegal. Birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and it is illegal to be in possession of any native wild bird.

Legal issues aside, it is in the animal’s best interest to be taken to a “licensed wildlife rehabilitator”. They are trained to know their care and dietary needs. Licensed Rehabilitators know how to monitor an animal's weight and health. They know how to proper care for wild animals to avoid that animal becoming imprinted on humans. Imprinted wildlife will not fear humans or have the skills necessary to survive when returned to nature.

It is heartbreaking to learn of animals rescued by people, who feed, care for and release it, only to have it walk up to the next human. That person thinking the animal must be diseased because it showed no fear and kills the animal. Many starve to death as they lack the skills to find their own food; others are captured by predators because they were never taught fear. Several die in the rescuer’s care because that person did not have the means or know how to care for it properly.

Should you find an orphaned, injured or sick animal please take it to a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. This gives the animal the best chance of recovery and release. If you must care for the orphaned, injured our sick animal yourself, take the course and get your license. That way you do not do more harm than good!

Find a Licenced Rehabilitator near you.  Author Margaret Cutter

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