Wildlife Babies

How You Can Help. What to do, and when to leave them alone.



The following are tips from Pacific Wildlife Care which provides rehabilitation to sick and injured wildlife of San Luis Obispo County. You might encounter babies this spring who are hurt or appear to be abandoned, these suggestions appear in the spring 2010 newsletter of the organization.

1. Fawns - If you find an uninjured fawn, do not pick it up! Keep people and dogs away so that the mother can return. Fawns are often left alone for long periods of time while the mother (doe) goes off and forages for food.
2. Baby Birds - If the bird has no feathers, it is a nestling and it needs to be put back in the nest. If you cannot find the nest, you can make one and place it near the original nestsite. If parents do not return after a couple of hours to care for a naked, nestling bird, call the Pacific Wildlife Care.
3. Young Fledgling Birds - Most fledgling birds cannot fly when they leave the nest. They are often found on the ground. Keep pets and children away. The parents will continue to care for the bird. This is an important learning period in the little bird’s life and lasts only a few days. The bird does not need rescuing.
4. Baby Mammals - We gets calls regarding raccoons and opossums whose parents have been trapped, with babies left to die. Do not trap and relocate opossums, raccoons, or skunks. The babies will soon grow up and the family will usually go on its way. If you need help, call Pacific Wildlife Care for solutions. Well- meaning individuals sometimes try to raise orphaned wild animals. It is illegal to do so. Wild babies have specialized dietary needs and can become ill or die from improper diet. Licensed rehabilitators have the skills to feed these animals properly and to keep them wild so they can be returned to their natural habitat. Share this info with friends & neighbors.

If you do find an animal that truly does appear to need help, and you are in San Luis Obispo County, call 805-543-WILD and leave a message for the phone volunteers of Pacific Wildlife Care. Once you make contact, if you can drive your animal to the Morro Bay Rehabilitation Center, that would be much appreciated.

PWC is always looking for more members and volunteers too. Their website is http://www.pacificwildlifecare.org.