Wildlife


When We Find A Wild One
The Sanctuary receives many calls from people who have found baby Animals. Most of the Animals found are mistaken for orphans needing human care. That is rarely the case. Many Wild Animal Mothers Leave their children during the day and return to feed them. A Mother Deer or Rabbit is well aware that her scent will attract predators, whereas the scent of her children is not as defined. She knows that they are safer out of her presence. Baby Birds may fall out of their nest when they are first learning to fly. Their parents are nearby and will watch over them. Unless domestic Cats are in the area, the babies will be fine without any human intervention.
Occasionally a call will come in because a nest has been disturbed. Gardeners, Dogs, and construction are all threats to the safety of nests and habitats. If you come across such a situation, and further threat can be prevented, it is appropriate to leave the nest if possible. It is untrue that mothers will abandoned a nest that humans or other Animals have come in contact with. If necessary, a nest can be moved up to ten feet away from it's original position. In the case of Rabbit nests, to determine if the mother has returned to feed her children, place some twigs over it. If within the twenty four hours the twigs have been removed, then it is safe to assume that she has returned to care for her children.
If you are unsure as to whether or not the Animals are in need of help, there are a few ways to determine such. Infants of most species who are abandoned will cry out consistently fopr long periods of time. In the case of mammals, you can check for dehydration. Pull the skin up between the shoulder blades, If it forms a slowly falling tent, the Animal could be dehydrated. You can also check the stomach of most Animals. It should be round, not shrunken in.
Once you are sure that an Animal is in need of assistance, the kindest thing to do is get her to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist. Even with assistance, Rehab work is very difficult. The mortality rate for small mammals in rehab is 50%. The overall picture, including those that are cared for by well meaning, yet untrained people is much dimmer. Only ten percent survive.
Symptoms for various medical problems can be very subtle. Things that an experienced rehabber may notice immediately, may not be evident to the untrained person. Even with all of the information on the Internet, the average person may not be able to find information on the Web about their specific region. Diseases and toxic hazards that may be an issue in one area may not be an issue in the area where the web site with instructions on how to care for a specific species originates.

When Injuries Have Occured

Another frequent issue we encounter is dealing with injured or obviously sick Animals. Dealing with this safely can be delicate. It is often thought that a nocturnal Animal such as a Skunk, who is found out during the day is probably afflicted with rabies. Although this may be true, it is also possible that the Animal was uprooted from it's home by human activities. We advice people not to approach an Animal that is potentially dangerous. Watching the Animal from a safe distance if possible, will give one the opportunity to determine if there is a problem. If you do think that you have found an Animal afflicted with a dangerous disease, your local Animal Control Authorities are equipped and trained to deal with it.
When an injured Animal is discovered your good judgement is the key to a successful intervention. Can you physically move the Animal in a safe manner without causing it further harm? If so, you have to take precautions not to illicit a response of panic in the Animal. Place a towel or other dense cloth over it's eyes. This will calm the Animal down as it will not be viewing the predator attacking it, (you). Transport the Animal as gently as possible to the local rehabber or Vet. Call Vet's ahead of time. Not all Vets are capable or willing to deal with Wildlife.
For small Animals such as Birds, a cloth over the head may not be possible or necessary. But do place any Animal that you are transporting or are awaiting transport for, in a dark quiet place such as a box in a closet, with a cover over it. Place a towel or cloth on the bottom of the box to give it the feel of a nest.

How To Find Help

There are directories on the Internet for Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers and individuals. One of the most complete is Wildlife Rehabilitation Directory.
If you can not find someone near you at that sight, and there are no obvious listing in your local phone book, don't give up. Your local Animal Control Agency or Sherriffs department will probably have a list handy. Another option is your state's Fish and Game Department. Wildlife Rehab requires permits that are issued by Fish and Game and so they are knowledgeable as to who is available nearest you.
Once you obtain a phone number, don't be discouraged if you reach an answering machine or service. It is rare that you will reach someone who will not return a call regarding an Animal in distress quickly. Chances are they are out caring for Animals. Be patient, leave your name and number.
Thanks for caring about our fur and feathered friends.

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