Orphaned Animals
Is this animal Truly an orphan?
It seems to be a universal impulse to
help baby animals of any species. Humans see a young animal and assume
that is must need help, but that is often not the case!
Most often, the animal would be best left
alone, and human intervention may only worsen its chances of survival.
Here are some signs that an animals IS in
distress and needs your help:
- Bleeding
- An apparent or obvious broken limb
- A featherless or nearly featherless
bird (nesting) on the ground
- Shivering
- Evidence of a dead parent nearby
Some cases where an animal does NOT need
human intervention:
- A fawn curled up in the grass-mom is
probably nearby and watching!
- A fully feathered bird hopping on the
ground-it is probably a fledgling learning to fly and his parents are
likely nearby.
- A rabbit who is four inches long, with
open eyes and ears that point upwards-this animal has already become
independent from its mother!
When dealing with suspected orphans, it
is best to use the "wait and see" approach.
Observe the animals carefully to make
sure they are not in immediate danger, then simply "wait and see". Keep
the area quiet and remove children and pets. Observe carefully and
frequently for activity, but keep your distance! If there is a parent
nearby, your presence may be enough to scare it away! If there is no
sign of a parent in 24 hours, then seek help from a professional.
(See
If you've found an
injured or orphaned animal)
Wild
At Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre