According to wildlife experts, for some species of wild animal babies, nearly 95%, do not need any help if found without a parent. Many people stumble upon or are told where there seems to be abandoned wildlife. Most of the time these animals do not need our assistance. They are usually best left alone.
For instance, what seems to be an orphaned baby rabbit, is just the normal way this infant is tended to by his/her mother. Mother rabbits very rarely visit the nest. She may stay away for as long as 36 hours. Infant rabbits do not have a strong scent yet but mom does. If she spends too much time with her babies her scent will attract predators. If you believe the baby rabbits are abandoned, place a few blades of grass in a pattern on top of the nest. Look the next day. If the blades have been disturbed and the babies are unharmed, you know mom has been there.
If you find a baby bird, try putting the bird back in the nest if you can find it. Unlike what most people believe, only the buzzard or vulture can smell, so this will not affect how mom and dad feel about the replaced baby. If not, put the baby in a box filled with shredded paper towels and attach the box to a tree. If the parents are looking for their baby, they will find him/her. If the baby is pushed out of the nest or they make no attempt to care for him/her, take the bird to an experienced wildlife rehabilitator.
If you should find an infant deer, his/her mother is probably waiting for you to leave so she can reclaim her baby. You will find it almost impossible to find the mother but she is most probably very near.
If there is any type of animal living in your garage or chimney or attic or even under your home, the best thing to do is leave them alone. They will move out when they are ready to go. When you are absolutely sure everyone has left, repair the entryway so you will not have a repeat performance.
There is one type of wild animal that, if found without his/her mother, is probably abandoned and these are opossums.
Do not touch wild animals with your bare hands. They do not know you are trying to help them and are frightened. Some may attempt to bite or scratch. If you must contain a wild baby, try putting a box over them and scoop them up to take to a rehabilitator. You should not attempt to care for them yourself unless you are very sure of what your doing and you release them correctly.
It is against the law to possess some types of wildlife. Wild animals were not intended nor do they make good companion animals. They deserve to be what they are: Wild.
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