Injured Wildlife
Sometimes an animal may appear to be in need of your help, but in reality, they are just taking a break. If you come across an injured wild mammal or bird, determine that the animal or bird is truly injured have wounds or birds unable to fly. Contact the Wildlife Hotline at 401-294-6363 or a licensed rehabilitator near you as soon as possible.
Note: Raccoons are nocturnal; however, juvenile raccoons will come out to play in broad daylight (especially early afternoon). They are not sick, nor are they rabid. Leave them alone. They do not need your help.
Orphaned Wildlife:
Is this an orphan (Don't be a kidnapper!)
Each spring or summer, we receive a lot of phone calls regarding baby birds or mammals found unattended. For someone to care enough to stop their busy life to call, they were not going to leave behind tiny little orphans to starve to death. However, let's not assume that all unattended babies are orphans. Most babies are still under the watchful eye of their parents. Unlike human babies, wild babies are not constantly watched by their parents. They spend a large amount of time alone. This is especially true for many mammals.
What to do if you find a baby bird?
- Nestlings need to be placed back in their nests immediately or brought into the Wildlife Clinic of RI if the nest cannot be found.
- For fledglings, often times, it is best not to intervene. Unless the bird needs medical attention or is in harm's way, please watch from afar (preferably a window) for at least 30 minutes to give mom time to reunite with her young.
Notes:
Most birds do not have a good sense of smell. It is a myth that mom will reject their baby if you return their nestling to the nest. (Mammals can reject their babies if they smell a human scent on their babies.)
You can help baby birds survive by refraining from trimming bushes or trees during nesting season (May-August).
For additional information, go to:
http://www.nwrawildlife.org >Need Help?>I found An Animal
If you do find a REAL orphan or injured baby bird, please call the Wildlife Hotline at 401-294-6363 immediately. Keep the baby bird warm and in a quiet, dark place and make arrangement to bring the baby to a licensed rehabilitator. [Locating a Rehabilitator in RI]
What to do if you find a baby mammal?
- Never touch a baby mammal because the mother can smell you on her babies and could abandon them because of it.
- If the baby is injured or is in immediate danger and must be moved, please put gloves on before handling.
- Sometimes baby mammals with their eyes closed will accidentally stray from the nest. This does not mean that they are lost or in danger. Watch from afar and give mom at least 3 hours to reunite with her baby, since mammals do not tend to their babies as often as birds do.
Note: Never handle rabies vector species, which include raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes or woodchucks. The State of Rhode Island demands that we euthanize any rabies vector species that has been in direct contact with a human or a domestic pet. We would have no choice but to submit their brain for rabies testing if you handle any raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes or woodchucks with your bare hands. Please do not touch them, or use gloves or tools (a shovel or a broom) if you absolutely have to move them.
For additional information on helping a baby mammal, go to:
http://www.nwrawildlife.org >Need Help?>I found An Animal
If you do find a REAL orphan or injured baby mammal, please call the Wildlife Hotline at 401-294-6363 immediately. Keep the baby mammal warm and in a secure pet carrier and make arrangement to bring the baby to a licensed rehabilitator. [Locating a Rehabilitator in RI]
Can I keep it? NO!
Do not attempt to raise or keep wildlife yourself. Not only is it illegal, you may be putting yourself in danger. Wild animals can carry diseases (see FAQ: zoonotic diseases). Wild creatures do not make good pets and captivity poses a constant stress to them. The appropriate nutrition is essential for growth and development of young wild mammals and birds. In addition, young wild animals raised without contact with their own species fail to develop survival skills and fear of humans, which makes them non-releasable.
We have seen many cases of young wild birds or mammals raised by kind-hearted individuals that turn disastrous. Metabolic bone disease and poor body or feather condition are common. Also, wild mammals with no fear for humans turn into a nuisance as their wild instincts develop. We have no choice but to euthanize in many of those cases. Please do not attempt to raise or keep any wild mammals or birds without proper training and licensing.
