baby animals... abandoned or not
-------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
| Baby Animals: Abandoned or Not? More often than not, baby animals are not really orphaned. The parent may be either off foraging, or observing from a safe distance. Accidents do happen at times, though. If you happen upon obviously vulnerable babies and you've waited a time for their parents to return, here are some guidelines for what to look for, what to do, and what risks may be associated with this baby animal. |
|
BABY ANIMAL |
WHAT TO LOOK FOR |
HOW TO HANDLE |
RISKS |
|
Rabbits |
Mother not at nest during day. Babies are self-sufficient if fur is fluffy, ears are standing, and are size of adult human fist. |
If not injured, put it back where you found it. |
Unlikely carrier of rabies. Known carrier of tularemia in some states. |
|
Raccoons, skunks, and foxes |
Often play alone in mother's care. Mother will retrieve if young wander off. If crying, weak, or sickly, need attention. | Do not pick up with bare hands. Handle very cautiously. | Possible carriers of rabies. Raccoons common carriers of parvovirus, which is fatal to dogs. |
|
Squirrels |
If baby is found, probably fell out of nest and may have concussion or mother may be dead. Is probably hungry. | Keep in warm, quiet, and covered box until you get help*. | Not likely carrier of rabies. |
|
Chipmunks |
Very unusual to find a baby. Mother is probably dead, and baby is hungry. | Keep in warm, quiet, and covered box until you get help*. | Not likely carrier of rabies. |
|
Groundhogs |
Very unusual to find a baby. May have washed out of burrow and needs attention. | Handle very cautiously. Keep in warm, quiet, and covered box until you get help*. | Although rare, have been found to carry rabies. |
|
Opossums |
Self-sufficient when body is 8-10 inches long. If smaller one is found alone, probably needs attention. | Keep in warm, quiet, and covered box until you get help*. | Rarely contract rabies because of low body temperature. |
|
Bats |
Pups usually found in July and August. Probably fell out tree or housing and needs attention. | Do not pick up with bare hands. Handle very cautiously. | Possible carrier of rabies. |
|
Deer |
Fawns often found in high grass lying quietly alone. If not crying, making distress sounds, or injured, probably is not abandoned. | Leave alone and check back in 12 hours if concerned. Do not attempt to rescue an injured fawn without first contacting rehabilitator. | Not likely carrier of rabies. |
|
Nestling Songbirds |
Partially feathered. Should be alert with gaping mouth. If listless and cold, may need attention. | If healthy, look for nest and put back. If featherless and cold, hold in your hand to warm it. Baby birds need to eat every 30 minutes; contact rehabilitator quickly. Tie or secure a fallen nest back into a tree. | Not likely carrier of rabies. May have external parasites |
|
Fledgling Songbirds |
Fully feathered but learning to fly. Should be bright and alert. | If healthy, leave alone or place in safe spot near nest. Mother will not come near if she sees you. | Not likely carrier of rabies. May have external parasites |
| * To seek help with a seemingly orphaned baby animal, contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator. If you don't know who to call, try your district office for the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, or your local animal shelter. In any case, don't be surprised if you're told to just leave the animal alone to let nature take its course. Resources: |
Comments