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Many state and Federal laws prohibit the keeping of wildlife unless you are licensed to do so. Wildlife Rehabilitators are trained to care for many types of wildlife, know the natural history of wildlife, work with veterinarians and have received the proper permits. They can provide the most appropriate foods, socialization and medical care to help return the animal back to the wild. Many internet tips on what to feed wildlife are incorrect and can lead to the animal’s death.
Do not go near any marine mammal that is beached. It is against the law to disturb them or touch them. If you think a marine mammal may be injured or sick, call a wildlife center. Mother seals will leave their babies on the beach all day, so it is normal to see them alone. Do not touch the baby seal. Keep pets and children away. If you find a dead marine mammal, call a wildlife center to get information on how to legally dispose of it. A local marine mammal group may want information on the dead marine mammal, so please call your local wildlife center.
Baby or Fledgling Birds Contrary to popular myth, touching a baby bird will not cause its parents to reject it. If you find an uninjured baby bird that has no feathers, only soft down or quills, it has probably fallen from its nest. Return the bird to its nest if possible. If you can’t reach the nest, you can make a replacement nest to put in the tallest branch you can reach. The replacement nest can be a small box or a berry basket and it can be attached to the branch with rope or string. Leave the area and watch for the mom bird from a distance. If you don’t see the mom bird coming to the baby in 3-4 hours, you will need to take it to a wildlife center. Injured baby birds should be taken to a wildlife center as soon as possible.
Fledgling birds generally spend a few days on the ground while learning to fly. If the bird has feathers and a short tail, is uninjured, and can stand and hop, it is a fledgling bird and the parents should continue to feed them throughout stage. If there is no danger in the area, they should be left alone. If you think it is orphaned, watch the bird from a distance and see if the parents come and feed it throughout the day. If cats and dogs are a threat, place the bird in nearby bushes or on a tree limb. Try to keep your pets inside. If the fledgling still appears to be in danger or is injured, call a wildlife center.
Adult Birds A bird that has hit a window should be placed in a warm box and put in a quiet place for 3-4 hours. If the bird has not recovered by then, call a wildlife center. To prevent birds from flying into a window, close drapes, hang blinds or place decals on your window. A bird that has been attacked by a cat or dog should be taken to a wildlife center for treatment. Place two large bells on your outdoor cat’s collar to help warn off birds. If you find an injured adult raptor, call a wildlife center before trying to handle the animal. If you must handle the raptor, always wear thick, heavy leather gloves and hold tightly to the legs. Cover their heads with a sheet or towel when handling.
Skunks are very aggressive animals and should not be handled by the public, unless the animal is so injured that it cannot move. Skunks are very accurate at spraying and will aim for your eyes, so always wear safety goggles when approaching a skunk. Even baby skunks can spray if they are scared, so call a wildlife center before rescuing a skunk.
Raccoons are very aggressive animals and should not be handled by the public, unless the animal is so injured that it cannot move. Even young raccoons can be very aggressive. Call a wildlife center before touching or rescuing a raccoon.
Baby Squirrels - If the baby appears uninjured and is warm to the touch, place it in a shallow, towel-lined box a the base of the tree and leave it undisturbed for 4-6 hours. Often, the mother will come down and carry the baby off. She will not come down if people or pets are nearby, so stay clear. If the baby is cold, put a hot water bottle under the towel it is resting on and put at the base of the tree. If the mother does not reclaim the baby within 4 hours or by dark, bring the baby inside and keep it warm until it can be taken to a wildlife center. Injured baby squirrels should be taken to a wildlife center as soon as possible.
Adult Squirrels - Adult squirrels can be very aggressive and they have very sharp teeth and claws. If it is injured, place the animal into a escape proof box or carrier wearing heavy leather gloves. Cover the carrier or box with a sheet or towel and call a wildlife center.
Baby Rabbits – If you find healthy bunnies that are 4-5 inches long, able to hop, with eyes open and ears up, they do not need help. They are old enough to survive on their own. If you find a smaller healthy bunny, put it back in the nest and leave it undisturbed for several hours. If the nest has been damaged, put it back together and place a light layer of grass over the baby. Leave the area. The mom will only return at dawn and dusk. If the baby is obviously injured or orphaned, call a wildlife center. Put the animal in a warm box with a towel and keep it in a quiet area. Do not feed the bunny and do not handle the bunny! They can die easily from stress. Take to the wildlife center as soon as possible.
Adult Rabbits – If injured, place the rabbit in an escape proof box or carrier. Wear gloves and cover the animal with a sheet or towel and support the back feet when picking it up. Rabbits can kick very hard and may break their own back by doing so. Cover the box or carrier with a sheet or towel to make it dark. Put in a warm, dark, quiet area until you can get it to a wildlife center.
Adult opossums are not typically aggressive. If injured, they can be placed into a pet carrier or box by grabbing the base of the tail while wearing thick leather gloves. Avoid the head and mouth. You can also use a shovel to gently lift them into a box.
If the opossum is dead, check the pouch (which is on the abdomen) for babies. If there are babies attached to the nipples in the pouch, bring the dead mom to a wildlife center. Do not try to remove the attached babies. If the babies are not attached, put them into a warm box and take them to a wildlife center.
If you find an opossum that you think is orphaned, call a wildlife center first. If the opossum is 7 inches from nose to rump, it is old enough to be on its own. Do not rescue it unless it is injured.
Fawns – Mother deer leave their fawns alone for large portions of the day. The fawn will settle down and wait for her, curled up in a “don’t notice me” position. This is normal and do not disturb a fawn who is laying down.
If the fawn looks cold, hungry, confused, or sick, call a wildlife center or park ranger. Do not feed the animal. If you must transport the animal, place it in a dog carrier lined with a towel or sheet and cover the carrier with a sheet or towel. Keep it quiet and warm.
Adult Deer – Adult deer are very dangerous and have the potential to hurt or kill you if you try to help them. If the animal is injured please call a wildlife center or the state patrol. Deer are very high stress animals and can actually die from the stress. Keep away from injured adult deer.
For more information, check out this Animal Tales article published by the Bellingham Herald: What should I do if I see an injured deer or fawn?
If you find a bat on the ground do not touch it! Bats in Washington can carry rabies and it is transmitted through the animals’ saliva.
Call a wildlife center or the health department before rescuing a bat. If you must move it, wear heavy, thick leather gloves and cover all exposed skin. If you are bitten, save the animal for examination, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and call your doctor right away.
If a bat is roosting on a wall or tree, it is most likely fine. Leave it alone. If it falls from its roost, it may need 20 minutes or so to wake up and fly off. Leave it alone.
