Finding a Wild Animal

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

22 Jun 2006 11:08 AM

If you're a softie like I am, you want to rescue just about every animal you see. There used to be a three-legged fox that ran around the radio station I used to work at. I named him "Gimpy" and was determined to save him. He managed to elude me.

Really the best thing to do if you find an injured wild animal is to call your nearest shelter or wildlife rehabilitation center. Even a baby animal can be dangerous sometimes.

So is the animal really injured or sick? Some young animals, especially birds, can appear to be injured when they are not.

• Is it bleeding or wounded?
• Is it wet and/or shivering?
• Was it hit by a car, lawnmower, boat, or other vehicle?
• Did you see it in a cat or dog's mouth?
• Is it limping?

Do you think you've found an orphaned baby animal? There may actually be parents nearby that you can't or don't see. Fledgling birds, for example, may look like they are orphaned but are simply exploring outside the nest in preparation for flying. Check the feathers. If the bird is fully feathered, leave him alone. If the bird is not fully feathered or is unable to stand, you may have a baby bird who has fallen out of the nest. If you can find the nest nearby, the best plan is to return the baby to his home.

Fledgling birds can be at risk from predators, especially cats. If you see a fledgling being stalked by a cat, you can place the bird on a tree branch for safety. However, the threat of neighborhood cats isn't really enough to involve a wildlife rehabilitator.

If you do have an injured animal on your hands, take safety precautions. Wear gloves if you are going to try to handle the animal. It may be easiest and safest to use a towel to cover the animal, then scoop it into a cardboard box. You can also use the box itself to scoop up the animal. Keep the box in a warm, quiet, dark place until help arrives or until you are able to deliver the animal to the wildlife rehabilitator. Don't give food or water unless instructed by the animal shelter or wildlife folks.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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