What to do with a baby animal

Springtime is the busiest time for wildlife rehabilitators.  This is the time when the warm weather brings forth just hatched and newborn wildlife.  As people encounter this wondrous event they may come across a baby bird or mammal that appears to be in distress.

The parents are the best guardians of a healthy wildlife baby.

 Don’t rush to intervene.  Sometimes parents leave their young for several hours while foraging for food.  “Rescuing” a baby you do not know to be abandoned could be very harmful.  Even the best-intended “Rescue” can be dangerous.  Frightened animals may bite, kick, or scratch.  Many wild Creatures also carry diseases and parasites that attack humans.  Always wear protective gloves and wash carefully after handling wildlife.  If a bird or mammal is sick or acting strangely leave it alone.  Keep people and pets away.  Call for knowledgeable advice and trained assistance.  If you find a baby bird or mammal that appears to be in distress, here are a few general DO’s and DON’T’s to guide your actions:

What to do with an injured adult animal

Your safety is our primary concern. 

Even the most trusted family pet can bite and scratch when hurt and frightened, as anyone who’s tried to give a cat medicine can relate to.  Wild animals will try to defend themselves.  If you are at all unsure of your ability to handle the animal don’t.  Make a note of where the animal is and call a qualified person to help the animal. 

If an animal is acting unusually tame or aggressive do not approach the animal ,definitely call for help and advice. 

If you decide to approach the animal ALWAYS wear protective clothing, including appropriate gloves (light weight leather gardening gloves can work for handling small birds, they won’t protect you from an eagle) and long sleeves covering your arms.

Cover the animal with a towel or blanket and place the animal in a well ventilated box or pet carrier.  Place the box in a cool dark place and call a rehabilitator for help.  Do not offer food or water unless instructed to do so by a wildlife rehabilitator. 

 

Help Means:

Place the baby in a warm quiet place, away from animal and human activity, then call for advice on what to do next. 

DO NOT GIVE FOOD OR WATER!  Feeding the wrong food or hydrating improperly can be deadly to the baby!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Are One

Tammy Yuth

President/Rehabilitator

360-239-7090

glitterbunny1969@peoplepc.com

 

Carol Ekker

Vice President/Rehabilitator

360-264-4283

 

Patty Kaija –Treasurer

Linda Anthony—Secretary

Marlene Wenger—Board Member

 

Dr. Gregg Bennett

Dr. Lina Wachsmuth

Tumwater Veterinary Hospital

360-754-6008

 

Tess Starr—Web Page

jaegerares@comcast.net

 

Get the facts:
From Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Living with Wildlife
on Bats
on Crows
on Coyotes
on Deer Fawns

 

Animal-borne diseases in the news:
Avian Flu:
Dept of Fish and Wildlife
Center for Disease Control

Rabies:
Department of Health
Center for Disease Control
CDC - Rabies and Bats

West Nile Virus:
Department of Health
Center for Disease Control

 

Licensing:
Dept of Fish and Wildlife
Permit Regulations
WAC 232-12-275

    • DO HELP:

    DON’T HELP:

    If there is an obvious injury such as blood, a broken bone or difficulty moving.

    A baby bird that can hop, run or fly short distances.

    If a dog, cat or child brought the baby home.

    A baby bird whose parents are nearby.

    If you know the baby to have been alone for at least 2 days.

    A baby dear who is alone but healthy looking.

    If you find the parent dead nearby.

    Any mammal that is unusually uncoordinated, tame or if it is aggressive.  (DO CALL AND REPORT IT’S LOCATION!)  Rabies is not common in our area but is possible.