Spring is here! While many people’s thoughts are turning to warmer weather and vacations, wildlife rehabbers are gearing up for their busiest time of year. But even if you aren’t a wildlife rehabber, there are still plenty of things you can do to help wildlife this year (and help lighten your local rehabber’s load in the process!)
1. Look Out!
An all too common cause of wildlife injuries is being hit by a vehicle. In the coming months, more and more wildlife will be crossing our roads, including inexperienced juveniles. A little caution while driving goes a long way towards saving wildlife. Drive slowly, especially in the early morning, at dusk and at night, and be ready to brake suddenly. Always use your brights at night to help you see farther ahead. Watch the sides of the road, and be ready to slow or stop if you see any animals. Animals often cross the road in multiples, so just because one animal has crossed doesn’t mean the danger is over – keep an eye out for stragglers. Also bear in mind that sticks in the road may not be sticks, they may be snakes basking in the sun!
2. Rescue or Kidnap?
Many young wild animals that are found do not need rescue. Sometimes the mother animal is away feeding (very common with rabbits and deer). Other times, a young animal may be old enough to be out and about. Always assess whether a rescue is really needed, and call your local wildlife rehabber if you aren’t sure.
3. Gardening Gaffes!
This is the time of year for wild babies, so always be careful while doing yard work. Check carefully for nests before pruning or felling trees and bushes – if there is a nest with eggs or babies present, wait until the babies have grown up and left the nest before doing the work. Be careful when mowing or tilling overgrown areas, as rabbit nests are generally just shallow depressions in the earth or grass.
4. When Our Furry Friends Aren’t So Friendly…
If your dog or cat catches wildlife, try to contain it and get it to a rehabber right away, even if you can’t see the injuries. A cat’s saliva contains bacteria that are deadly to smaller animals, and the puncture wounds are often impossible to see. The sooner these animals are treated by a rehabber, the better their chances of escaping a fatal infection. A dog’s saliva isn’t harmful, but their bite can leave an animal unharmed on the outside while causing serious internal injuries, so dog-caught animals should also go to a rehabber.
5. Give it Up for Wildlife!
The best thing you can do for orphaned or injured wildlife that comes into your possession is to get it to a wildlife rehabber as soon as possible, no matter how much you might want to keep it. Hours, even minutes can make a huge difference in the chances for the animal’s survival. While you are contacting a rehabber, make sure to keep the animal contained in a dark, warm, quiet place. Do not give the animal anything to eat or drink, as the wrong food or feeding method can be fatal, and water given improperly can lead to drowning or pneumonia. Your wildlife rehabber will have the exact diet and feeding method required for each individual species, as well as the proper medical treatment and housing to make sure the animal returns safely to the wild.
Best Friends’ wildlife department is always available to help with orphaned or injured wildlife, or to answer questions about wildlife. You can reach us between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST seven days per week at (435) 644-2001 x4460. If you find injured or orphaned wildlife after hours, please call us at 800-334-8818, no matter how late it is, and we’ll be glad to help. To find your local rehabber, you can check the following website for a directory by state:
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm, or call Best Friends and we will search our directories for you.
Written by: Barbara Weider
Photo by: Troy Snow