LET NATURE TAKE CARE OF ITS OWN
Each spring and summer, thousands of wild animals are born across Connecticut. Unfortunately, many of these young wild animals are “rescued” by well-intentioned but misguided people who, not observing the wild parents, assume the young have been abandoned and take them into captivity to “give them a chance.”

In most cases, this means certain death for the wildlings that are fed an improper diet and then weaken and die. Captive animals are no longer considered “wild;” become imprinted on humans; lose their natural fear of predators; and are not able to compete with their wilder counterparts. These animals, when released into the wild, are not capable of defending themselves or finding food, water and shelter on their own.

Remember the following facts:

• Most young birds leave the nest before they can fly. They hop around on the ground, learning to find food and avoid predators. The parents return periodically to feed them and ward off enemies. If you find a young bird on the ground, leave it alone. If it is in danger from cats or cars, move it gently to the nearest shrubbery. The parents, who cannot smell your touch on the young bird, will locate it by call.

• Squirrels often have a second nest site to move their young to if needed. If a tree has been cut down with a squirrel nest in it, put the babies (in their nest) on the stump and walk away. When human activity has ceased, the mother will return and move the young to a safe place.

• Deer and rabbits hide their young during the day and return to nurse them under cover of darkness. If you discover a rabbit nest on your lawn, leave the area unmowed for a few weeks. Young rabbits leave the nest at a few weeks of age. Often, the young are assumed abandoned because the adults are not in sight and, unnecessarily, the young are taken into captivity.

• Keep your cats indoors and at the very least, put 2 bells on their collars. Dogs should be on a lead at all times.

• In almost every case, it is best to let nature take care of its own!

If you believe the wild animal has been injured or orphaned due to human causes, please call one of the following numbers for the name of a wildlife rehabilitator near you:

CT’s Department of Environmental Protection’s 24-hour dispatch: (860) 424-3333
Fund for Animals – Wildlife Advisory Hotline (203) 393-1050.
Meanwhile, if you must handle the animal:

• Wear gloves to protect yourself and the animal.
• Place the animal in a box until you receive help.
• Do not attempt to feed the animal as this may do it more harm than good.
• Please do not leave any wildlife at the doorstep of any nature center. Connecticut Audubon does not have a veterinarian on staff.

Archived from CT Audubon Society News Winter 02/03 Copyright Connecticut Audubon Society Reuse by Permission Only