Wildlife Tips

Baby wild animals may be cute, furry, and look helpless, but naturists say human efforts to “save” them could do more harm than good.

If you know of a nest in your back yard, keep outdoor pets indoors or leashed.

Just because a mother doesn't appear to be around or the baby animals are out of the nest doesn't mean the parents are not caring for them. The mother may just be out foraging for food.

If the baby animals appear to be orphaned, look for evidence that their mother has been killed by a domesticated cat or has been hit by a car. If you are sure the animal is orphaned, call Peg and Roger Markel at (616) 361-6109 or another licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.

Baby wild animals make poor pets. They have special dietary, behavioral and environmental needs. Do not care for wild babies yourself. It is illegal to have any native wildlife in your possession without the proper permits from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources or other agencies.

Birds

• Fledgling birds on the ground can't fly, but are most likely being taught to fly. Do not disturb them
• For non-fledglings, try to find the nest and put the babies back
• Keep cats and kids away

Squirrels

Baby squirrels eyes open at 4 to 5 weeks of age. They remain with their mother for 10 to 12 weeks. If mother is gone, the infants may fall out of the nest looking for food. Mom will sometimes return. Baby squirrels can survive quite a fall.

Rabbits

Baby rabbits. Don't worry if you do not see the mother rabbit. The mother only comes to feed the babies at dawn and dusk. The rest of the time she is foraging for food. Place twigs or yarn over the nest and check back to see if it has been disturbed. Keep dogs/cats away from the nest. The nest will be gone within 14 to 16 days. Rabbits are very hard to raise and wean. Never remove them from the nest.

Raccoons

• Best not to handle at all
• Carry distemper, rabies, and raccoon worm
• Limited number of licensed rehabilitators who are stretched very thin