To Rescue or Not to Rescue?

Baby animals have the best chance at survival if they remain with their mothers and often the mom knows exactly where they have tucked their youngsters-- and will come back. Finding a baby out on its own doesn't necessarily mean it needs human intervention. I will discuss some tips to help you decide to rescue or not to rescue.

Contrary to popular belief parent animals will respond to distress cries and return to their young. It is a myth that they abandon their young if touched by human hands.

Never remove a baby from where you found it without determining whether or not it really needs help. A healthy baby will have a glossy coat, round, bright eyes and a healthy sense of self-preservation and may try to get away from you.

Exception: Pink, hairless babies with eyes closed are in grave danger if they are separated from their mothers for even a short time.

Is it snuggled in a hole in the ground, or hidden under a bush? Mom may be nearby.
Is the mother bird flying at you or do you hear a mammal making threatening sounds from a distance. She is saying I am here-leave my baby alone!
Is there a tree nearby from which it could have fallen? You can put a baby back in the nest or if perching, on a tree limb.
Is it obviously injured? Can you see blood, puncture wounds or a broken bone? Are there flies around it? Does it seem weak or unable to use its legs? Then you need to intervene and get it to a wildlife rehabber in your area.

Baby birds on the ground with most of their feathers and a short tail are fledglings learning to fly; you should leave it on the ground.
You must place a nestling (no feathers, eyes shut) gently back in a visible nest.

A tiny bunny with eyes still closed will die without mothers milk. Unless you KNOW for sure mom is dead!! ( you see the body or your dog killed it-LEAVE THEM THERE! Older bunnies can be placed back in their ground nests and covered with grass or other greenery. You will NEVER see a mother rabbit with her babies

Raccoons pups are almost never far away from their mothers, but the mothers will wait for you to leave before they approach.

If the animal is truly orphaned or injured call a wildlife rehabilitator. Place the baby in a container, lined with soft cloth, tissues or paper towels. Try to avoid any kind of terry cloth, as toenails can be caught in its loops. Cover the baby with cloth and put the covered (but not sealed) container poked with holes for ventilation and place in a dark, quiet, warm place away from children and pets.

If you have a heating pad, set it to low and place the container halfway on the pad.
If the baby needs help call a wildlife rehabilitator. Next, place the baby into a container, lined with soft cloth, tissues or paper towels. Try to avoid any kind of terry cloth, as toenails can be caught in its loops. Cover the baby with cloth and put the covered (but not sealed) container poked with holes for ventilation and place in a dark, quiet, warm place away from children and pets.

Do not give the baby anything to eat or drink unless instructed to do so by your wildlife rehabilitator.

A fast way to find a rehabber in your town is to Google “ wildlife rehabilitator+your towns name”or call your local humane society or vet for a referral.

A rescuer called us that their dog killed this bunnies mom and sibling-in cases like this always bring in the baby & seek help: