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I found a baby mammal ... now what?
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1. Is the baby animal hurt or sick?
(Bleeding; shivering; vomiting; attacked by a cat, dog, or other
animal)
YES - Call Wild Forever.
NO - Look for the nest or den. Is it intact? Follow the
appropriate instructions below.
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| Nest/Den Intact |
Nest/den missing or not intact |
| Place baby in nest/den.
Watch for the mother for 4-6 hours. Stay completely out of sight. Mothers won't return if any people or pets are present.
Did the mother return?
YES -
Leave the area. The baby is ok.
NO -
Call Wild Forever.
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Place baby in shallow box close to where it was found. Keep it warm but out of the sun.
Watch for the mother for 4-6 hours. Stay completely out of sight. Mothers won't return if any people or pets are present.
Did the mother return?
YES - Leave the area. The baby is ok.
NO -
Call Wild Forever.
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If you find a baby squirrel:
Wearing gloves, place it in a shallow box or container open on top. Snuggle baby flannel or T-shirt around the baby. Place a wet washcloth in a Ziploc bag and microwave till hot. Place this under the fabric around the baby, making sure there is no direct contact to the baby's skin or fur.
If it is daytime, place the box back where you found the baby, shielding it from direct sun or rain with a piece of cardboard, if necessary. If it is nighttime, bring box with baby inside and return it outside at sunrise. Reheat washcloth in Ziploc bag as necessary, but stay out of sight as much as possible. Mother will not return if people or pets are present. There is a 24-hourwindow of opportunity for a successful reunification. Do not attempt to feed the baby.
Questions?
Call Wild Forever.
More on Squirrels
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| If you find baby rabbits:
If their nest has been damaged it can be repaired.
Look for a shallow depression lined with grass/fur. Place babies in nest with light layers of grass to hide them. Leave the area, or the mother won't return. (Mothers return only at dawn and dusk)
If you find healthy bunnies that are 4-5 inches long, able to hop, with eyes open and ears up, they do NOT need help. They are able to survive on their own. Leave them alone.
Questions?
Call Wild Forever. |
| If you find a fawn: Mothers normally leave their babies to feed.
Many times fawns are responsible for hiding themselves. Sometimes they do a good job, and sometimes they don't. The pictures below, as well as the picture at the top of this page, are fawns that are 'hiding' while the mother is out feeding.
If baby looks cold, hungry, diseased, or confused, or if dogs, other animals, or people threaten its safety;
Call Wild Forever or the Colorado Division of Wildlife at (719) 227-5200 (NOTE: In Colorado, law enforcement officers are authorized to destroy dogs seen chasing wildlife and fine the pet owners).
Otherwise, leave the baby alone and leave the area. The mother will not return if people or pets are present. |
Call Wild Forever at (719) 475-9453 if it is between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Phone Extensions:
3 - squirrel, rabbit or small rodent, please press 3
4 - raccoon, fawn, fox, porcupine, coyote, water fowl or bird of prey, please press 4
6 - volunteer opportunities, or would like to make a donation, please press 6
Adult deer, bear or mountain lion, please contact the Division of Wildlife at (719) 227-5200.
Domestic animal or domestic bird, please contact the Humane Society at (719) 473-1741.
If you leave a message your call will be returned PROMPTLY.
If you are unable to reach Wild Forever, or if it is outside Wild Forever's phone hours, rescue the mammal.
Click here for instructions.
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When you need to call about an animal in trouble, please remember:
* Be specific about the location.
* Describe the animal's condition clearly.
* Give a contact phone number and name.
* Stay near the animal until help arrives.
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Please note that Wild Forever's area of operation is the Pikes Peak region of Colorado ONLY, which includes Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas.
If you are NOT in our area of operation, and need assistance with an animal, or in just getting an answer to a question, please do one or more of the following:
* contact your local humane society
* contact your local division of wildlife
* contact your local veterinarian
* check out the following web sites to find a rehabilitator in your area to either call or email:
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory
Wildlife care.org
Thank you!
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Contact information for animals that Wild Forever does NOT handle:
* For large game animals, such as ADULT deer, bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, moose, etc., please contact the
Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) at (719) 227-5200.
After hours on weekdays and on weekends contact the Colorado State Patrol at (719) 544-2424 and ask for a Division of Wildlife Officer.
* For domestic animals contact the Pikes Peak Humane Society at (719) 473-1741.
* For dead animals, pick them up using protective equipment (gloves, plastic bags), bag them and dispose of them. If you are concerned about diseases they may carry call the El Paso County Health Department at (719) 578-3199.
For dead animal removal on city streets and rights of way, but NOT on private property, call (719) 385-5934.
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Compassion, Respect and Freedom for all Wild Animals
Wild Forever Foundation
P.O.Box 520
Fountain CO, 80817
(719) 475-9453 (475-WILD)
Phone assistance available 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. daily; Mountain Time Zone.
If you leave a message your call will be returned PROMPTLY.
wildforever@wildforever.org
Copyright © 2007, Wild Forever Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Webmaster: Alan Stockman, alan@dynawares.com
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