Dealing with animals in the wild.

People are typically unprepared to address the needs of animals found in the wild. Often, when we think we are helping a wild animal, we could be dooming it instead. It is important that we learn appropriate responses for dealing with wild animals. After all, it is the humane thing to do.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions we encounter about wildlife...

• What is considered a wildlife emergency?

  We've provided you a checklist of observations you can make to determine if you've encountered a "wildlife emergency."
  ● It is bleeding profusely.
  ● It is unconscious or having convulsions.
  ● It has been attacked by a cat, even if the injuries are not visible
  ● It has a broken leg or wing.
  ● It has collapsed, or is staggering and falling down.
  ● It has been burned.
  ● It is entangled in fishing line, string, netting, debris, or its bill or muzzle is caught in something.
  ● It has a fishhook in its mouth or body.
  ● It is stuck to a glue trap, fly paper, or other sticky surface.
  ● It has ingested oil, antifreeze, or other chemicals.
  ● It is covered in tar, oil or other chemicals.
  ● Its eyes are crusted shut, or appears to be blind.
  ● It has been shot.
  ● Its nest has fallen to the ground.
  ● Its parents are known to be dead.
  ● It is trapped in a vehicle, building or is confined in something and can’t get out.
  Still in doubt? Better be safe. Start by calling the Humane Society or a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. They can offer advice. Also, download a copy of Local Emergency Contacts for reference.

   

• What should I do if I encounter an injured animal?

  In dealing with injured animals, the first consideration must be your own safety. 
  
  Sick or injured animals do not understand your good intentions. Typically, they will defend themselves vigorously. This is true even of animals in grave condition. Teeth, beaks, and talons remain functional to the end. Do not attempt to touch or rescue possible rabies carriers, or animals whose size or whose defensive parts may cause you injury. Call for Animal Control, the Humane Society or a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator for advice. 
  
  Most small animals can be picked up using a towel and a cardboard box. Drop the towel over the animal. Once it is unable to see, the animal should become calmer and easier to handle. Then pick up the towel and animal together and place into the box or container making certain the animal will have adequate air supply. Do not attempt to remove the towel as the animal will become frightened once again and both of you will be at risk. 
  
  Keep the container in a dark, quiet place. Do not attempt to feed the animal! Water may be offered, but never forced. Incorrect diets are dangerous to wild animals. Also medical examination and treatment will be easier if the animal has an empty stomach. 
  
  Bring the patient to the Humane Society or a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator making sure to call ahead to let them know the circumstances. Please note that most animals will not be harmed by an overnight wait. 
  
  Please call us and we will walk you through the situation. If necessary we will walk you through capture, confinement, and safe transport. We may also suggest alternative steps to assure the animal's safety in the wild.

• I found a baby wild animal. What do I do next?

  Usually, the quick, simple answer is: Put it back! Leave it alone!
  
  Dealing with Very Young babies.
  
  Very young babies are sometimes dislodged from their nest by strong winds or a storm or have become disoriented. Hairless or featherless babies with eyes closed should be placed back into their nest. If you cannot locate the nest, follow these procedures: Put baby birds in a wicker basket with some dry leaves and hang it in a nearby bush or tree. Non-flying animals can be placed in a basket or shallow box on the ground in a sheltered spot. In most cases, this solution will keep the youngsters safe until the parents return. Remember, the container used should allow adequate drainage in the event of rain.
  
  Once you've taken these steps, leave immediately! The parents will not approach their youngster with you nearby.
  
  Be a Mythbuster.
  
  The old tale about a mother animal not accepting her baby back after it has been touched by a human is simply not true. Most birds have no sense of smell and other animals are almost always happy to see their babies are safe. Once a young animal can move around, it begins to explore its surroundings. (This clumsy time for young birds is called the “brancher” stage.) Young animals frequently fall from the branches or wander away from their homes. The parents will continue caring for their young regardless. So, the best procedure is to leave young animals alone. If neighborhood cats are a threat, please call Animal Control. (There is a leash law in Indian River County which prohibits cats from roaming at large.)
  
  Growing up is a process.
  
  While youth is indeed a vulnerable time in an animal's life, it is also an important stage in their development. For example, baby birds do not need to learn to fly. Instead, they must develop the necessary physical maturity and strength to fly. The exercise they get from hopping and fluttering from place to place allows them to build the necessary muscles and strength to fly. Babies need to learn what food looks, smells, and tastes like in the wild. Once Mom stops feeding them, this knowledge is critical. Babies also need to learn how to avoid predators and take shelter from the elements. These lessons are very important to their future survival and the survival of their offspring in the future.
  
  Considering raising a wild animal?
  
  Don't! Trying to raise a baby bird or other animal yourself may seem like a great idea, but it is much more complicated than you may think. Each species requires a different diet and feeding regimen to ensure proper development. In the wild, animals adapt to their diets and peculiar schedules. They learn to coexist with other types of animals. You can never successfully duplicate these conditions in your own environment.
  
  In addition, babies can become "imprinted" on humans all too easily. This only creates a confused animal that will be unable to recognize its own species and defend itself when released back into the wild.
  
  If these reasons aren't sufficient, consider one more fact: Florida has strict laws dealing with non-licensed people who harbor wild animals (even if their intentions are good). Fines can be as much as $15,000 for offenders.
  
  A better alternative...
  
  Call the Humane Society or a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. If you find a baby animal and are truly unable to reunite it with its parents, please call us. If requested, bring the animal to a facility near you. Once there, it will receive the proper diet and be raised with others of its own kind so it can successfully be released back into the wild. Points to remember... If asked to transport an injured animal, a darkened cardboard box is the best method. Do NOT attempt to feed or water the animal. Home concoctions (such as sugar water, bread & milk, and peanut butter) are inappropriate and potentially harmful. Giving the wrong diet is worse than giving no diet at all. 

• Why is a woodpecker pecking my siding?

  Woodpeckers do this to announce their territorial claim.

• Why are the raccoons raiding my trash?

  Raccoons take advantage of free meals. Unsecured trash and pet food left outdoors attracts wildlife. We suggest that you keep your garbage securely bagged in cans with the tops tightly attached.

• I found a baby bunny in my yard. Is it an orphan?

  Probably not. Bunnies start to explore at an early age. Be thankful you got to witness this special moment in the bunny's life - then leave it alone. For your information, mother rabbits feed their young under the cover of darkness and rarely sit on the nest. Average nursing time is 5 minutes. See "I found a baby wild animal..." (above) for more details.

• How can I keep my pets safe from the neighborhood bobcat?

  Bobcats rarely choose dogs and cats as prey. They prefer to rely on meals offering less resistance, such as rabbits and rodents. However, leaving our domestic pets unattended does subject them to disease and predation from hawks, owls, bobcats, and coyotes.

• Who'll take the baby bird I found?

  The old wives tale about mother birds not accepting their baby after it is touched by humans is simply not true. Birds have a poor sense of smell and are very protective parents. If it is not possible to return the baby to its nest, a small basket placed in the tree makes a good substitute. The parents will return to their young. See "I found a baby wild animal..." (above) for more details.

• Who can I call with my questions and concerns?

  Of course, first call us - your local Humane Society. We can be reached at 772.388.4592 (or 772.388.3331 x130)
  
  We may refer you to nearby agencies that specialize in wildlife care and rehabilitation. Some of these include:

  Florida Wildlife Hospital	www.floridawildlifehospital.org	321-254-8843
  Vero Beach Animal Control	www.vbpd.org	772-978-4600
  Indian River County Animal Control	www.ircgov.com	772-226-3485
  Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital	www.tcwh.org	772-286-6200
  Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission	www.myfwc.com	888-404-3922
  Busch Wildlife Sanctuary	www.buschwildlife.com	561-575-3399

  Perhaps you'll find it handy to download a copy of our Local Emergency Contacts list. It includes contact details on these agencies and more.

Remember: Humane solutions exist to allow all of us to share the joys of Mother Nature. Please call for advice before taking action.

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want an exotic animal as a pet?

We observe a growing fascination many people have with exotic animals. While these animals are unusual and often very interesting, the responsibilities that come with them are great. When you take an animal into your home, you are making a commitment to the life of that animal. Are you prepared? Be sure that you can answer the 8 following questions responsibly before you adopt an exotic pet:

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What kind of habitat does this animal need to be physically and mentally healthy?

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How big will the animal grow?

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How long will it live?

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What is the temperament of the animal? How will it change as it ages? (Sexual maturity often is accompanied by marked changes in behavior, in some cases aggression or destructiveness.)

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What licenses (if any) do I need to possess this animal?

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Who will care for this animal if it gets sick? Not all veterinarians know how to care for exotics.

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What food will it need?

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What will I do with it if I (or my children) no longer want it?

Be aware. It is ILLEGAL to release any non-native animal into the wild in Florida. The reasoning behind these laws makes sense. The animal may have diseases that will spread to other wild animals. It may not survive the weather conditions here. It may not have an adequate food supply or it may deplete the food supply for native species. And, it may not have predators to keep its population in control (or it may prey on our native species).

Our neighborhood is beautiful and full of native wild animals. Please do not jeopardize them by releasing non-native animals here.

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