Citizens' Guide for Wildlife Rehabilitation

Interim Editor, Southern Sierran

It can be very distressing to find an orphaned or injured animal. Though your first instinct may be to help, in some cases it might be best to leave the animal alone until professional help arrives.

Does it need my help?

The U.S. Humane Society recommends that you only help animals in the following circumstances:

• wild animals brought to you by your cat or dog
• animals that are bleeding or have an obvious broken limb
• a featherless or nearly featherless bird nestling on the ground
• an animal that is shivering
• an animal that is orphaned with clear evidence of a dead parent nearby

It does need my help! What next?

If the animal fits the conditions listed, call a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal shelter IMMEDIATELY. You can find these shelters listed online or in the local phone book.

To keep the animal comfortable until the rehabilitator can take over, follow these steps:

• Punch holes, from the inside out, into a cardboard box or other container. A paper bag may be suitable for most songbirds
• Line the box with an old T-shirt
• Put on gloves and use a towel or pillowcase to cover and scoop the animal into the container
• Do not give the animal food or water. He could choke, develop digestive problems, or drown. Many injured animals are in shock, and eating or drinking can make it worse
• Place the container in a warm, dark, quiet place-away from pets, children, and noise
• Transport the animal as soon as possible. Keep the carrier out of the sun and away from direct air conditioning or heat. Keep the car radio off and talking to a minimum
• Never handle an adult animal without consulting a professional. Even small animals can injure you

What if it's a baby?

Baby animals who have lost their parent may take a bit of additional care. You can identify baby animals by their development. For example, baby birds will have few, if any, feathers. Baby mammals will have shorter hair or fur that is different from adults of the same species.

Orphaned Birds

First of all, look around at nearby bushes, trees, porch areas, etc. to see if there is a nest nearby. Put the baby back in the nest if possible. Watch the nest from a discreet distance, and if the parent does not return to the nest within an hour, call a wildlife center.

It is essential to keep the baby bird warm. Place a heating pad on low and place a soft towel in the bottom of a small box. Place the baby inside the box and then the box on top of the heating pad.

NEVER feed a baby bird and NEVER give water. Never use store-bought baby bird formula, this is intended for pet birds.

Once the baby is warm and is gaping (opening his mouth and asking for food) you may soak some dry dog or cat kibble until it is moist all the way through and give baby very small amounts (crumb size pieces) roughly every 20 minutes. This will hold the baby over until it taken to a rehabilitator.

NEVER open the baby's mouth or force food.

Orphaned Mammals

It is essential to keep the baby mammal warm. Place a heating pad on low and a soft towel in the bottom of a small box. Be careful with larger mammals, as they might have teeth or claws. Sometimes the best method is to use the box itself to scoop up the animal.

Cover the baby with a soft towel or blanket, then place the box on top of the heating pad.

NEVER feed a baby mammal. Do not attempt to use any kind of milk or bottle. Do not give water.