What to Do When You Find Orphaned Wildlife: A Guide for Compassionate Action

Encountering orphaned wildlife can be a heart-wrenching experience. Whether it's a baby bird that has fallen from its nest or a fawn seemingly left alone in the woods, our natural instinct is to help. However, it’s important to approach these situations with care and knowledge to ensure that the animal receives the proper care it needs.

If you come across orphaned wildlife, here are the key steps you should take to help:

1. Assess the Situation Carefully

Before rushing in to intervene, take a moment to assess the situation. Often, young animals might appear orphaned when, in fact, their parents are nearby but are simply keeping their distance. Mother animals are often cautious and may leave their babies alone while they forage for food, returning at regular intervals.

Look for signs that the animal is truly orphaned:

• Signs of Injury or Illness: If the animal is injured, weak, or sickly, it may need immediate care.

• Abandonment: If the baby animal is alone and its parents haven’t returned after a reasonable period, it may indeed be orphaned.

2. Don’t Handle the Animal Unnecessarily

While your instinct might be to pick up and "rescue" the animal, handling it too much can cause stress or injury. Wild animals are incredibly sensitive to human touch, and excessive handling can leave them vulnerable. Additionally, if the animal is an infant or very young, the mother may reject it due to human scent.

In cases of birds or baby mammals, it’s best to leave them in place as long as they are safe from immediate dangers, like predators or traffic. If they are in harm's way, gently move them to a safer spot nearby.

3. Call a Professional for Help

If you are unsure of what to do or the animal is clearly in distress, it’s crucial to contact a wildlife professional who is trained in dealing with orphaned or injured animals.

In the Evansville Indiana area, you can reach out to Nuisance Wildlife Control at 812-801-7712. As licensed wildlife control professionals, they are adept in handling sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and can transport the animal to the proper resources.

Alternatively, you can contact an Indiana DNR licensed wildlife rehabilitator who is trained to care for orphaned or injured animals. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to assess the animal’s health and ensure it is given the appropriate care to survive and thrive.

4. Provide Temporary Shelter (If Necessary)

If you are unable to reach a wildlife professional right away and the animal is in immediate danger (such as from weather or predators), you can provide temporary shelter.

For small mammals, you can place the animal in a cardboard box with a soft cloth or towel to keep it comfortable. For birds, a shoebox with holes for ventilation can work well. Keep the box in a warm, quiet place, away from pets or children, until help arrives.

Important: Do not attempt to feed or give water to the animal, as this could harm it if done incorrectly.

5. Do Not Attempt to Raise the Animal Yourself

Raising a wild animal on your own might seem like an appealing option, but it’s often detrimental to the animal’s long-term health and survival. Wild animals require specialized diets and care to grow into healthy adults, and attempting to raise them without the proper resources can cause more harm than good. Additionally, wild animals may carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets.

By working with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, the animal can be given the best chance for a successful rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.

6. Prevention: Protecting Wildlife Nests and Habitats

One of the best ways to help wildlife is to prevent orphaning in the first place. When you come across a nest or young wildlife, avoid disturbing it. If you are maintaining your yard or property, be cautious when using machinery, as baby animals may be hidden in bushes, underbrush, or trees. Creating a wildlife-friendly environment can also help minimize the likelihood of animals needing human intervention.

In Conclusion

Finding orphaned wildlife can be a distressing situation, but with a calm and informed approach, you can help give the animal the best chance at survival. Remember, if you encounter an orphaned or injured animal in the Evansville Indiana or immediate area, contact Nuisance Wildlife Control at 812-801-7712 or a licensed Indiana DNR rehabber for professional guidance. By working with experts, you ensure that the animal gets the care it needs and has a better chance of returning to the wild where it belongs.

Together, we can help protect Indiana’s wildlife and ensure that they grow into healthy, thriving members of our natural world.