westernplainsanimalrefuge.org

by Jessica Braun, DVM

Everybody loves baby animals—we love to hold them, to look at them, to help them. Sometimes, however, our idea of ‘helping’ can actually be harmful to the animal and even to ourselves! Here are some really good guidelines to follow in any encounters you may have with a baby critter. (Click HERE to see some of our baby animal rescues!)

1. If you find a baby ANYTHING (bird, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, deer, skunk, etc.), the first rule is do not touch it and call animal control, a rehabilitator, or the wildlife and parks division in your area. The number one reason for this is that there may be nothing wrong with the situation! Animals do not do things like people do—babies are left alone a lot of the time for protective reasons. Mother rabbits usually only come back to the nest at night, so if you find a bunch of baby bunnies alone during the day, this may not be a problem. You need to talk to someone knowledgeable about wildlife to determine if human intervention is required.

2. The second rule if you find a baby ANYTHING is: do not touch it, and call someone who knows what to do! All babies are cute, but even babies can harm us if we don’t know what we are doing. Baby (all adult) raccoons carry a parasite that can be fatal to other species—including people! Some wild animals can carry rabies which can be fatal. So, again, call the experts before rushing to the rescue!    

3. The third and most important rule to follow if you find a baby critter is do not touch it and call someone who knows what to do! Mother animals are amazing creatures! They know exactly what their babies need and how to supply it. If the baby truly is orphaned, then yes, it will have a better chance with a rehabilitator. But if it’s mother is just out and about doing what she needs to be doing, the baby will be much better off with her.    

Jessica Braun, DVM, is owner of Animal Health Center of Hays, Kansas. She is also the primary veterinarian overseeing 
animal care at Western Plains Animal Refuge. Contact her at drb@animalhealthcenterhays.com. For more information on 
Western Plains Animal Refuge, visit us at 
www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org.