Wildlife 911

Written by Dr. Andrea Quigley

     Spring time is here, and with it comes spring fever, the birds and the bees...and the baby bunnies, baby squirrels, and baby birds.....


   I have been volunteering in wildlife rehabilitation centers since I was in college.  It is a rewarding experience that is unlike any other in veterinary medicine.  There are not many people in this world who have been licked by a woodpecker, raised then released litters of Eastern Cottontails, or released a bird of prey back into the wild after nursing it through an illness.  Currently, as the education director for Providence Wildlife Rehabilitation, I am able to provide educational programs to community organizations using permitted educational animals.  These critters are nonreleasable, native wildlife that have been given special permission to be kept as ambassadors of their species.  


   At the veterinary hospital, we often get calls from concerned citizens during this time of year regarding wildlife.  Adult wild animals are out cruising for mates and searching for food to feed hungry babies back at the nest, while the first litters of baby mammals and clutches of baby birds are just starting to explore the world around them.  Unfortunately, this makes for more human-wildlife, dog-wildlife, cat-wildlife and car-wildlife interaction.  

A flying squirrel

   First, I’d like to dispel some myths about baby wild animals.  As many of us know, the mother-baby bond is one of the strongest bonds there is.  This is true for wild animals as well.  Wild parents will return to care for a healthy baby, even if a human has touched it.  If a baby has fallen from its nest, and is warm and not injured, the best thing for that baby is to return it to the nest.  No human can possibly provide the same care and nutrition for that baby as its animal parents can.  

A fledgling

   What about those teenager birds hopping around that can’t fly?  Those birds are generally described as being covered in feathers, but with very short tails. They can flutter, sometimes even get a little bit of lift to land in a low shrub or fence, but can’t fly up into a tree.  These birds are referred to as fledglings.  They are learning to fly and have to put in “ground time” while they figure out how their wings work.  Their parents are always near by and will continue to feed them and protect them.  Do your best to keep cats and dogs away for a few days while these teenagers are still on the ground.  In a few days, they will be flying into the trees like pros!  


   We also hear from families concerned that a nest of baby Eastern Cottontail bunnies has been orphaned.  Before you make that phone call, first do a test: place two pieces of string crossed like the letter X on top of the nest.  The next morning, see if the string has been disturbed.  Mother rabbits only feed in the early dawn and late dusk.  The remainder of the day, the babies are hidden under a pile of grass, leaves and fur.  If the strings are undisturbed, then the babies need to be kept warm and immediately taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, as they are likely orphaned. If the strings no longer make an X, mom has been by to feed her kids.  


   Did your dog’s or cat’s keen sense of smell find the nest before you did?  Any baby bunny that has been in a dog or cat’s mouth is susceptible to infection and should also be taken immediately to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  Fortunately, baby bunnies grow up quickly.  If you found the nest before your pet, you’ll need to keep your pet away from the nest for 2-3 weeks.  After that, the babies are weaned and should be baseball sized balls of fluff scurrying around your yard!    


A litter of cottontail bunnies

If you do find an injured or truly orphaned wild animal, follow these recommendations:

1. Safety first!  Do not handle a wild mammal that is acting aggressively.  While we rarely have reported cases of rabies in most species of wild mammals in Indiana, any mammal can carry rabies.  Bats, skunks and fox are the most common culprits in our state. 

2. Before you attempt to capture a wild animal, have everything you’re going to use ready and at hand.  This should include leather gloves and an appropriately sized container with air holes and a secure lid!  I have hunted down many a wild animal that was dropped off without a secure lid.  The phrase "wild goose chase" comes to mind.  Once you’ve collected everything you need, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  

3. Keep the animal warm.  If it is an orphaned baby, it may be too cold.  Wild babies should feel warm to the touch.  

4. Do not offer food or water, unless your rehabilitator has instructed you to provide it. 

5. Remember that state and federal laws protect native wild species.  In many instances you have only 24 hours to transport this wild creature to a licensed rehabilitator.  

6. Enjoy the wildlife in your community.  It is such a privilege to be able to see the daily goings on in these animals’ otherwise rather private lives!

Baby fox squirrel nursing in a rehabilitation center