I Found a Baby Animal, Now What?

The call was received at dusk on an early summer day in 2012.  A gentleman caller, from Chippewa County, stated a continuous crying sound drew him to his wooded backyard where he noticed a hairless animal on the ground.  Based on the information given, I knew time was of the essence for its survival.  Upon arrival at Chippewa Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation (CVWR), a full exam was done on squirrel #17.  She was approximately 3 weeks old and eyes still closed.  Her body was cold, unresponsive and severely dehydrated.  After two weeks in the intensive care area receiving around the clock care, this black squirrel was no longer intake #17 but a survivor who we started referring to as “Blackie”.  Blackie was released back into the wild at 13 weeks old.  She was healthy and full of squirrel spunk. Blackie continues her life’s journeys on the acres surrounding CVWR.  I often see her helping herself to a peanut from the hanging squirrel snacker box.     

The mission of Chippewa Valley Wildlife is to care for injured, sick or orphaned wild ones with the goal of returning them to their native habitat as healthy, productive members of their community; to provide information in response to public inquires about wildlife; and to provide wildlife education to the public. CVWR is licensed by the State of Wisconsin and is an entirely donation-supported nonprofit organization. 

Spring is filled with new life in the Chippewa Valley’s great outdoors.  It is also during this time of the year that CVWR receives numerous questions and inquires about animals that seem to be abandoned, injured, or in need of help.  The frequency of human-wildlife encounters increases, especially those involving young animals.  Most young animals that seem orphaned or abandoned do not need help.  Animals take care of their young in a variety of ways.  Here are a few examples:    

Grey Squirrels will make a nest in trees by using tree cavities or leaves.  Baby squirrels are about the size of a human thumb when born.  At 4 weeks of age, they begin to explore outside the nest area.  They are weaned at 8 weeks old and cannot survive on their own until 12 weeks of age.  If a squirrel is found with its eyes still sealed shut, it has probably fallen out of the nest.  Mothers will usually retrieve their young when they fall out or wander away from the nest.  If the squirrel cannot be placed safely back into the nest, place the young in an uncovered shoe box with a soft ravel- free cloth and place it at the base of the tree.  Infant squirrels injured due to a fall or not retrieved within a couple hours will need assistance.  Juvenile squirrels that follow people or pets are usually orphaned and may need to be taken into care. 

Cottontail Rabbits make shallow fur and grass-lined nests in the middle of lawns, by sidewalks, and in gardens.  A mother rabbit will only feed their young at dawn and dusk and does not stay in the nest during the day.  If a nest is disturbed because of a pet or lawn and garden work, the nest can be rebuilt and the young replaced and the mother will most likely return.  The young leave the nest at 15 days old.  They are a bit smaller than the size of a women’s fist, the ears are up, the fur is thick, and eyes are bright.  They are capable of being on their own and should be left alone. 

Raccoons will nest in tree cavities, brush piles, rock crevices, and buildings.   At 4-6 weeks of age, raccoon kits can walk, climb, run and may explore with their mother.  Weaning occurs at 8-12 weeks; however they will remain with their mother until the following spring.  A kit found wandering alone before the age of 4-6 weeks of age, is usually an indication that the mother has been gone for several days (trapped or dead) and will need assistance.  A mother raccoon will usually retrieve their young when they fall out or wander away from the nest.  A healthy kit found outside of their nest can be placed in a ventilated box within close proximity to the nest overnight for the mother to retrieve.  If the kit is still there the next morning, assistance is needed. 

White-Tail Deer fawns have the natural instinct to lie in the grass quietly and wait for the doe’s return to nurse.  Fawns are protected from predators by their lack of body odor and by their coloration.  The mother deer only comes to feed the fawn every few hours.  She then retreats to a safe distance so as not to enlighten predators to the young’s location.  Unless a fawn seems injured or is walking around calling, it does not need help.   

Mallard Ducks will make a concealed nest in wetland grasses or by bodies of water, but can also be found in flower pots, parking lots, or on rooftops.  Ducklings are born with eyes open and a covering of downy feathers; however depend on the hen for warmth and protection.  Ducklings, at 24 hours old, are often seen when the mother is leading them to water.  The hen stays with her brood approximately two months after hatching with the young being able to fly.  Seek advice if there is concern about the nest being in a dangerous place or the hen is unable to get the ducklings to water.   If a duckling is alone, look and listen for any sign that the mother and siblings are in the area, for it is not uncommon for a duckling to get temporary separated from the others.  If the family is not located or does not accept the young within an hour, the orphan will need care. 

A young animal’s best chance for survival is to be raised by its natural mother.  It is important to make every effort to try to return the young to its mother.  CVWR should be contacted immediately if:

• The animal appears injured
• The animal is bleeding
• The animal is emaciated
• The animal’s parent is dead or no longer in the area (trapped and relocated)
• The animal has been handled by a predator
• The animal is shivering
• There are flies, fly eggs, or maggots present on the animal
• The animal is in a dangerous location   

Chippewa Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation may be reached at 715-838-0326

Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible- Thank you for your support

Mailing address is 8135 Burnell Drive, Eau Claire ,WI 54703  

Elise Bauer, Chippewa Valley Wildlife

More information that can help determine if a baby animal was abandoned can be found at: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/orphan.html