What To Do With Injured Wildlife
by Dr. Mark A. Mitchell DVM, MS, PhD
One of the most common presentations to our facility is
the "orphan" bird or mammal. It is important that we define what an
orphan is up front. An orphaned animal is one that has been abandoned by the
"parent." The vast majority of the cases presented are not truly
"orphans." Instead they are animals that have been removed from
functional nests or found near a nest as they were exploring their environment.
Many citizens are quick to collect these animals because they feel that they are
abandoned. In these cases, all attempts should be made to replace the animal in
its nest. The old wives tale that the "parents" will not accept the
animal after it has been touched by humans is incorrect. The nest should be
observed from a safe distance. If the "parents" can see you they are
not likely to return to the nest. The observation period should be based upon
the age of the animal. The younger the animal the more critical the time period
between feedings becomes. In cases where the "parents" are known to
have abandoned the "orphan," the animal should be taken to a facility
capable of providing the necessary supportive care. In most areas of the country
it is illegal to raise wildlife unless you are a trained, licensed
rehabilitator. Although the intentions of the individuals locating the
"orphan" are good, these animals have very special needs that cannot
be simulated using standard commercial preparations.
How do you determine if a bird is a nestling or a
fledgling?
Nestlings are those birds that have recently hatched.
Nestlings are often featherless or are developing feathers (pin feathers). These
birds are afforded little protection from the environment and are very dependent
upon the "parents" for feeding and general care. If a nestling is not
provided regular attention (energy), they can rapidly decline and succumb to
starvation and dehydration. If these birds are found on the ground, all attempts
to replace the nestling back into its nest should be made. Do not try heroics,
such as climbing into trees, to replace the bird or you might injure yourself.
If the nest cannot be located, these birds MUST be presented to a facility
capable of providing the necessary supportive care (feeding every 15-30
minutes).
Fledglings look very much like the "parent," but are a smaller
version. These birds will have developed primary and secondary flight feathers
and be capable of short flight (training). Many times fledglings will be found
near the nest in a tree or on the ground trying to establish feeding patterns
and attempting flight. If a fledgling is found, attempts to replace it back into
its nest should also be made. If the nest cannot be located, placing the bird in
a nearby bush will serve as protection until the bird can be reunited with its
"parents." If there are no protective areas for the fledgling or no
adult birds have been observed, then the fledgling should be taken to a facility
capable of providing the necessary supportive care.
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