What to do

What to do when you find orphaned or injured wildlife

fawns.jpg (22088 bytes)

1) Be cautious. If you need assistance, notify a game warden, or your local animal control office.Don't handle a wild animal with your bare hands. Frightened animals can be dangerous, and they can transmit diseases. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, or bats are high risk for rabies and should be managed only by a rehabilitator, animal control officer, game warden, etc. (see Diseases and Conditions of Mammals for additional information)

2) Does the animal appear to be an uninjured "orphan"? If so, put it back in the nest. This includes baby birds. The mother will care for it even if you have handled it. You might have to make a nest out of a box, a basket (see Plan 3), or a plastic container. Observe the nest from a distance to see if the mother returns. Some animals, like rabbits, only come to the nest in the late evening and early morning, so you won't see them in the daytime. A baby bunny as big as a tennis ball can be released in a safe place. They mature very quickly and aren't helpless. Deer leave their fawns for hours in places they consider safe. So if you see a fawn that appears to be abandoned, the doe may return for it later.

3) Does the animal appear to be injured or is it truly an "orphan"? If so, call for assistance without delay. (Roanoke Wildlife Rescue: 540-989-3798). An injured animal can die within hours from shock and/or infection. Don't play with orphaned or injured wildlife; handling is very stressful for them. Do keep them warm. That is more important than feeding them. Feeding milk to an orphaned animal will cause severe diarrhea, and usually results in death. Feeding a cold animal will cause pneumonia. It is in the best interest of the animal to receive prompt care and handling from a trained wildlife specialist.

Call 540-989-3798