Each spring we have several calls from people who have found baby birds and baby bunnies. Well meaning individuals usually assume the animal is an orphan in need of their help. Most babies are still under the watchful eye of their parents and are taken from them by people trying to help. Unlike human babies, wild babies are not constantly watched by their parents and spend large amounts of time alone. In most cases, wildlife babies should be left alone. Please follow the following guidelines for helping wildlife:

BIRDS:
Baby birds that are naked (featherless or feathers just starting to come in) are called nestlings. These birds stay in the nest and the parents come to feed them there. These babies, when found, are usually on the ground directly below the nest. This occurs because either the baby fell out, blew out, or was pushed out by a sibling.

If you find a nestling, look around for the nest and try to replace it. As mentioned on page #1, it is a myth that the parents reject the offspring once you've touched it. If you cannot reach the original nest, crate a makeshift nest using a Cool-Whip container or margarine dish. Cut holes in the bottom for drainage and line it with paper towels. Tack the makeshift nest back up in the tree as close to the original nest as possible, place the baby birds into it and leave. The parents will usually come back in a short time and will feed the babies in it just like it was the original nest.

If you see a partially feathered bird sitting below a tree it is probably a fledgling. Fledglings NORMALLY will jump or fall out of the nest as part of their "flight training". The mother bird will then continue to feed the bird on the ground until it is able to fly (usually within 1 or 2 days). Unless injured, these birds should be left where they are. Clear all pets and children from the area and observe the hatchling for an hour. Chances are the parents will return for it. They may be waiting until all the commotion dies down before approaching the youngster.

If no parent returns for the baby bird after a few hours, you should carefully pick up the baby and put it immediately (handling it as little as possible) in a small cardboard box large enough for the bird to stand up in or move around a bit. Use facial tissue for padding and cover the container loosely with a towel leaving a small gap at the edge for good air circulation. Place the box in a warm, quiet area of the house and then call us for the names of local wildlife rehabilitators. Do not offer the bird food or water until you have spoken with them and avoid peeking at or disturbing the bird. The less it sees of you, the less stress it will experience, ant the better its chances for recovery.

BABY COTTONTAIL RABBITS:
Cotton tail rabbits make their nests in small depressions in the grass. The nests are lined with fur from the mother and loosely covered with grass. They are frequently disturbed by people when mowing and raking or by dogs and cats.

Baby rabbits should be replaced back into their nest unless they are injured or if you KNOW the mother is dead. Many people assume the mother is dead because they have been watching all day and haven't seen her. Female cottontails only feed their young early in the morning and at dusk. This decreases the chances of alerting predators to the nest's location.

Only as a last resort cottontail bunnies can be taken to a rehabilitator. Baby rabbits have a low survival rate when hand raised, due in great part to the stress of handling by humans. People are not doing the babies any favors by attempting to raise them themselves. It usually ends in sadness and frustration. They need special diets and care from a rehabilitator if they are to have any chance at all.