For all animal issues, please contact the DNR Information Center at 1-888-936-7463
Please leave baby wild animals alone unless you are absolutely certain that Mom is dead. Wild animals
rarely abandon their young, but they often protect them by staying away from them. A baby may seem
abandoned when Mom is actually nearby waiting for you to leave. Our first choice is always to
leave the baby with its parent or return it as soon as possible. We have successfully returned
babies of nearly every species to their parents after they were mistakenly kidnapped.
If you have picked up a wild animal please call a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible. It is not a good
idea to handle wildlife because of the many diseases and parasites they carry, but it is an "old
wives tale" that the parent will not accept the baby after it has been touched by a human. Birds
have almost no sense of smell so will not detect "human scent". Mammals have a keen sense of
smell, but their maternal instinct is much stronger than any aversion to human scent.
Bunnies
Mother rabbits only feed their babies twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk, so it is rare to see
them at the nest. If you think a nest has been abandoned, place 2 pencil sized sticks in an X over
the nest. Leave the area, check the sticks after 24 hours. If the sticks have been moved, Mom has
been there, if not call White Pine or a licensed rehabilitator in your area. We will tell you what
to do next.
If a baby bunny's eyes are open, its fur is fluffy like normal bunny fur, and it is the size of an
extra large egg, it is an independent bunny; it does not need its mom anymore - leave it alone.
Wild bunnies have a very hyper nervous system. They do not tolerate being handled or caged. They
seem outwardly calm but inside they are having a severe stress reaction that can be fatal. If the
bunnies need to be moved to protect them from harm, put them under a brush pile or other natural
cover and leave them alone.
Squirrels
Baby squirrels are rarely seen outside the nest unless they are in trouble. Do not put baby
squirrels back into the tree. If they are orphaned they may not have the strength to crawl out
again. If the mother is there, give her a few hours to move the babies to a different nest. If
the mother is dead, call White Pine or a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible. Baby
squirrels that are orphaned are in serious condition by the time they seek help. They need special
care to survive. Their best chance is with a licensed rehabilitator.
Birds
Baby birds have different needs at different stages of development. A nestling is naked or
slightly feathered and is completely dependent on its parents for food and warmth. If a nestling
falls out of the nest it should be put back into the nest as soon as possible:
- IF it is not injured
- IF you know which nest it came from
- IF you can reach the nest safely without disturbing it
- IF you are sure it is not a fledgling.
When the nestling is back in its nest, leave the area so the parents can return. They will not go
to the nest while you are near. Check from the house or from a distance to be sure the parents
return.
A fledgling bird is older, stronger, and almost fully feathered. It will have a few tufts of fuzz
here and there. Fledglings have been coaxed from the nest by the parents to continue their
development. They can't fly and don't know how to feed themselves yet. The parents will be
teaching them to become independent. Leave fledglings alone unless they are in danger. If you
must move a fledgling, take it only far enough for safety and then leave the area so the parents
can come for it.
If a song bird hits a window it is often just stunned. Put the bird in a covered box in a dark,
quiet, safe, place in the house for a couple of hours. This reduces the external stimulation to
the brain, allowing it to rest, and is often all it will need to recover. After 2 hours take the
box outside and open the lid. If the bird flies away it is ok. If not call White Pine so the bird
can be admitted for further treatment. Prompt treatment can make the difference between life and
death. Do not give food or fluids unless instructed to do so when you call. If the injury looks
more serious than just a slight blow to the head or if you see blood, call White Pine right away.
Always leave a message if we don't answer. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Wild birds require specialized care and you need a Federal permit to possess them, even if
planning to let them go. For all animal issues, please contact the DNR Information Center at 1-888-936-7463.
The DNR can properly transport and decide on the care of the bird and will give advice on what to do
prior to admission.
Fawns
Fawns are often mistakenly kidnapped. Just because you see a fawn alone in the woods or
beside the road, does not mean that it is orphaned. Fawns have no scent for the first few weeks.
Mother has a strong scent, so she stays away from her fawns to protect them from predators.
They are well hidden in the woods because of their coloring. If you are near a fawn, the mother
will not go to it because she is hoping you have not seen it yet and she does not want to call
attention to it. She will not approach the fawn until you leave. The doe will go to her fawns
every six to eight hours to feed them and then lead them to a new spot. She will not be back
until the next feeding six to eight hours later. If you think a fawn is orphaned please call a
licensed rehabilitator or the DNR as soon as possible to evaluate the situation.
Wild animals need special care. They may carry infectious diseases and parasites that
can be passed to humans. If you pick up an orphaned animal, wear gloves, minimize handling,
keep the animal warm and quiet. Call a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible.
PLEASE, do not try to feed or give fluids to any animal you pick up!
Instead: For all animal issues, please contact the DNR Information Center at 1-888-936-7463
