Baby Season Advice to the Accidental Rescuer

by Mary Taylor

Every animal has a will to live.
If he struggles to survive, he understands death.
If he understands death, I believe he has a soul.

Spring has sprung! And, at the Wildlife Waystation, the definition of spring is babies, babies, and more babies!

Baby animals that is!

The “Baby Season” is generally April through September, although there are always those early arrivals in February. During this time we receive hundreds of calls from the public asking advice on how to care for the animals they have found. Every call presents a different set of circumstances and, unfortunately, there isn’t always a simple answer. In most cases, however, when the call concerns babies, my advice is the same.

First of all, babies are very rarely orphaned. The parents are probably nearby. As long as you are anywhere close to the baby, you will most likely not see the parents. They are usually watching you and waiting for you to leave the area. They will not return until you leave.

The following conditions should exist before you make the decision to intervene:

• You know for a fact that something has happened to the parent and she will not return.
• There is immediate danger from dogs, cats, or other hazards.
• There are apparent injuries requiring attention, such as a head or neck injury (head tilted abnormally to one side, jerky, rapid head and eye movements, moving in circles); dehydration (lethargic, sunken eyes, loose, dry skin); paralysis; broken leg or wing; or profuse bleeding.

If the animal appears healthy and there is no immediate danger, the following guide may help you to re-unite the baby with the parent.

Birds -not fully feathered, or unable to perch or hop: These should be returned to the nest, if possible. (It is not true that birds will reject their young if touched. They have virtually no sense of smell.) If the nest can’t be reached, place the bird in a small box and attach it to a branch as high and as close to the nest as you can. Observe from far enough away that you don’t pose a threat to the parents, preferably from inside your house. If a parent hasn’t returned within two hours, rescue should be initiated.

Birds - fully feathered but unable to fly more than a few feet along the ground: These are fledglings and are usually being taught to fly and find food on their own. If adults are present, do not interfere. They will care for the baby until he is able to fend for himself.

Tree Squirrels: If the squirrel is able to walk steadily and climb on his own, place him on a high branch and watch to see if a parent leads him back to the nest. If the squirrel is unable to climb, or his eyes are not yet open, follow the same procedures as for the not fully feathered baby birds.

Ground Squirrels: Since infants are rarely seen above ground, you may have caught the mother in the process of moving him. He should be rescued if she does not retrieve him within thirty minutes.

Opossum: An opossum can survive on his own when he is at least six inches long (not including tail). If he is under six inches, wait one hour to see if the mother returns.

Rabbits: Rabbits feed their young during the night, so if a nest is found, place long blades of grass or twigs over the nest in a pattern. Check the next morning to see if the pattern has been disturbed. If not, the babies should be rescued. (A rabbit can survive on his own when he is approximately six inches in length.)

Raccoons: A raccoon should weigh at least ten pounds to survive on his own. Wait at least two hours for the mother to return before rescuing.

Deer: A fawn is taught to stay in a hiding place for hours (often all day) while the mother forages for food. DO NOT DISTURB! Leave the area and return in the morning. If the fawn is still in the same spot, something has probably happened to the mother. Then, and only then, should the fawn be brought in.

Rescued animals and birds should be put in a box with shredded newspaper or soft towels to cuddle into. Punch air holes around the upper sides and top of the box for ventilation. DO NOT put birds in wire cages. Place the box in a warm, dark and quiet place until you can check with your local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization or the Wildlife WayStation for a referral, or advice on how to assist the orphaned animal.

Do not try to give food or water unless the animal is severely dehydrated. Baby birds and animals can easily aspirate (liquid in lungs) if fed improperly.

Hopefully these guidelines will help you help us. If you have any questions about your rescue, be sure to give us a call, and we’ll all have a healthy, happy Baby Season!

Rescue Calls 7am-5:00 pm (PST)

Emergencies only after 5:00 pm

(818) 899-5201

We are happy to help you with referrals and answer questions where possible.