Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter

Baby Animals

Every spring and summer OWLS admits hundreds of orphaned baby animals. We also receive many more telephone calls from people who are subsequently able to reunite the baby they found with its parents. If you have found a baby wild animal and are unsure what to do with it after reading the advice on this page, contact us for more specific information. Our experienced volunteers and staff are happy to help!

DON'T BE A KIDNAPPER!

When you find a baby wild animal, don't assume that it has been orphaned or abandoned. Mother and/or father are probably hiding nearby, waiting for you to leave so they can care for their baby without fear of interference. Before you pick that baby up, observe it carefully to better determine if it really needs your assistance.

BABY BIRDS

Is it obviously hurt or sick, or cold to the touch? Has it been attacked by a cat or dog? If so, it needs the care of a licensed, experienced wildlife rehabilitator. Place it in a closed container and keep it warm and quiet until you can get it to help.

Does it have feathers? If it does not have feathers, it is a nestling, and should be returned to the nest. Contrary to popular belief, parent birds have no sense of smell, and will not abandon the nest because you have touched their baby. If you cannot locate the nest or cannot reach it, make a new nest by poking drainage holes in a margarine tub or berry basket and lining it with dry grasses. Hang the nest on a nearby tree, and observe from a distance for at least an hour. If one or both parents are visiting the nest, the baby is fine. If a parent does not visit the nest, take the baby to OWLS or to another licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

If the baby bird has feathers and appears to be uninjured, it is a fledgling that is just learning to fly. It is normal for young birds to leave the nest a few days before they can fly and care for themselves. Their parents will bring food and protect them until they are able to fly and feed themselves. If you want to protect the baby from cats and wild predators, look for a thick bush or tree nearby and carefully place the baby on a low branch, where it can hop into the safety of the foliage.

If you find a baby duck, goose, quail or killdeer, try and locate the mother. If she is dead, contact a wildlife rehabilitator right away. If the baby is only separated from her, place it close enough for her to hear it, and observe from a distance. If she has not claimed the baby or cannot be found within an hour, then take it to a licensed rehabilitator.

DO NOT attempt to feed a baby bird until you have spoken to an experienced rehabilitator at OWLS. Giving the wrong food, or giving food to a bird with certain medical conditions can kill it! Make a nest out of tissue paper, place it in a ventilated cardboard box or paper bag, and keep it warm and quiet until you can transport it to the wildlife shelter.

BABY MAMMALS

Is the baby injured, vomiting, bleeding or shivering? Was it attacked by a cat or dog? Do you know that the mother has been killed? If yes, take it OWLS or to another licensed rehabilitator immediately. Wear gloves, if possible, when handling animals to protect yourself from scratches or disease.

Can you locate the nest or den? Is it intact? Return the baby to the nest if possible. Wild animals have strong parenting instincts, and will not abandon their babies, even if they have been handled by humans. If the nest has been destroyed or cannot be reached, place the baby in a shallow box near where it was found. Keep it warm, but out of direct sunshine. Watch for the mother for 4-6 hours. Stay completely out of sight, or she will not return. If she does not return, take the baby to a licensed rehabilitator.

Mother deer and seals may leave their babies for extended periods of time to feed. They will return for the babies if there are no people present. If the baby is not obviously in distress or in danger from dogs or people, leave it alone.

Mother rabbits feed their young only at dawn and dusk, and leave babies alone in the nest at other times. If you find a nest of bunnies, drape a few pieces of string or yarn over the nest and leave it overnight. If the string has been disturbed in the morning, you know the mother has been there. Damaged nests can be repaired with light layers of grass to hide the babies. Cottontails are able to care for themselves when they are only 4-5 inches long. If they are able to hop and have their ears up, they do not need help!

In the state of North Carolina it is illegal for anybody, even licensed rehabilitators to treat raccoons, foxes, skunks or bats, because they are most at risk for Rabies. If you find a baby of any of those species, do not attempt to handle it. Note the location and contact OWLS or your local Animal Control Officer for further advice.

Do not attempt to feed a baby mammal until you have spoken with an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. Wild animals require special formulas, and feeding the wrong formula, or trying to feed a sick animal can kill it! Place the baby in a closed container, such as a cardboard box with air-holes or a pet carrier. A nest can be made with soft cloths or paper towels. Keep the baby warm and quiet until you can bring it to OWLS or another licensed rehabilitator.

If you live outside Eastern North Carolina and need more help, Click here to find a licensed rehabilitator in your area.