Giving Nature's children a second chance
I found a wild baby - what do I do?
Is the baby hurt or sick? (Bleeding, shivering, vomiting, unable to flutter wings, wings drooping unevenly, attacked by cat or dog, etc.?)
YES – For birds of all species and flying squirrels, call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319 and LEAVE A MESSAGE. For other species, scroll down for the pdf containing the most current list of licensed rehabbers in Georgia, organized by county within each general species list.
NO – Can you locate nest or den?
YES – Put the baby back in the nest/den and watch for mother. Stay out of sight; mothers will not return if people/pets are present – give mammal mothers 4-6 hours; give bird mothers about half an hour.
NO – Put the baby in a shallow box for mammals or an old margarine tub or similar-sized container for birds. Place the box near where the baby mammal was found; place the bird’s temporary "nest" in a nearby tree.
Is the mother visiting the nest/den or makeshift nest?
YES – Leave the area; baby is okay.
NO – For birds of all species and flying squirrels, call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319 and LEAVE A MESSAGE. For other species, scroll down for the pdf containing the most current list of licensed rehabbers in Georgia, organized by county within each general species list.
If your wild baby is a bird, is it feathered?
NO – Can you locate nest?
YES – Put the baby back in the nest and watch for mother. Stay out of sight; mothers will not return if people/pets are around. Wait about half an hour. Is the mother visiting the makeshift nest?
YES – Leave the area; baby is okay.
NO – Call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319 and LEAVE A MESSAGE.
NO – Put the baby in an old margarine tub or similar-sized container. Place the bird’s temporary "nest" in a nearby tree. Is the mother visiting the makeshift nest?
YES – Leave the area; baby is okay.
NO – Call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319 and LEAVE A MESSAGE.
YES – It’s a fledgling. Unless its life is in danger from cats or dogs, place it on a low tree limb and watch for parents. If they do not come, call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319 and LEAVE A MESSAGE.
SPECIAL CASES:
Ducks, quail, geese, killdeer:
If you know the mother is dead or if the baby is injured, call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319.
If you can locate the mother, place the babies nearby and make sure she returns to them. If she does not claim her babies within an hour, call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319 and LEAVE A MESSAGE.
Rabbits:
If their nest was damaged but they are unharmed, the nest can be repaired. Look for a shallow depression lined with grass/fur and place the babies back in the nest with a light layer of grass to hide them, then leave the area. Mother rabbits only visit their nests at dawn and dusk.
If the babies are 4-5 inches long, eyes open and ears up, they are out of the nest and on their own. They do not need help unless they are ill/injured. Leave them alone.
Fawns:
Unless you see the mother dead nearby, the fawn is likely NOT orphaned. Does leave their babies hidden while they graze nearby. DON’T KIDNAP THAT BABY!
If the fawn looks cold, hungry, diseased, confused or if its safety is threatened by dogs or other predators, find the nearest deer rehabber on the pdf list below, organized by county within each general species list.
Raccoons/bats
Please be aware that even baby coons and bats can have ACTIVE RABIES. It is best not to handle them at all; if handling is necessary, wear gloves and as soon as possible, wash hands and any items the coons/bats have come into contact with.
CAN’T GET YOUR ANIMAL TO A REHABBER RIGHT AWAY?
Only adults should handle wild babies; before rescuing adult wildlife, call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319 for instructions.
For mammals - prepare a container: a box lined with soft cloth will do nicely. No terry cloth towels or washcloths, please!
For birds, prepare a container: a margarine tub or something similar will do nicely when lined with plain tissues or even paper towels. None of the medicated/moisturizing types, please!
Wear gloves if needed to protect yourself from possible bites or scratches.
Gently pick the wild baby up, covering it with a light sheet or towel if necessary to minimize its stress, and place it in the box/"nest."
Warm the baby if it is chilled, using a heating pad set on low and placed under one end of the container; or use a zip-lock plastic bag or small drink/water bottle filled with hot water and wrapped in cloth and placed next to the baby.
Keep the baby in a warm, dark, quiet place and DO NOT give it food or water unless directed to do so by a licensed wildlife rehabber.
QUESTIONS? Persons in area codes 478, 229 and 912, call Laurens Wildlife Rescue at 478-697-5319.
MOST CURRENT LIST OF LICENSED REHABBERS IN GEORGIA
If you live outside Georgia, call your state’s game and fish division for the licensed rehabber nearest you.
Please be aware that in Georgia, as in most states, it is illegal to possess wildlife without a permit, even if you plan to release it.
