Contrary to popular belief, parent birds will not reject their young if touched by human hands. Birds have a very poor sense of smell and a strong urge to raise their young! Many times, you can watch after a bird by simply monitoring it until it is able to fly on its own. Read these simple tips to find out when you should bring a bird in and when you should try to help it yourself.

Nestling birds are either naked or covered with soft down, not feathers. If you find a nestling bird on the ground, contact the Wildlife Hotline at (205)621-3333 for assistance. If their nest is broken, you may have to make a substitute nest. Do this by lining a plastic strawberry basket with the original nest materials and positioning it as close as possible to the original site.

(Left: Nestling Cardinal)

Fledgling birds have their wing feathers, but they are still small and may have a few lingering tufts of down. During the first few days after they leave the nest, they are unable to fly and will hop around on the ground or in low bushes to gain strength and coordination. The mother and father birds hear them call and will bring food down to them. If you find a fledgling on the ground, contact the Wildlife Hotline at (205)621-3333 for advice. The hotline representative will probably advise you to watch the fledgling from a distance for at least two hours before intervening. Always keep cats and dogs confined until the fledgling can fly.

Baby raptors (hawks, owls, eagles, vultures) need special diets and handling, and are protected by federal law. Do not attempt to feed or raise a baby raptor. Please limit contact with baby raptors if rescued; these birds are easily imprinted on humans, which almost  always results in their not being able to be released back into the wild.Contact the Wildlife Hotline at (205)621-3333 immediately.

(Right: Baby Owls)

 

When to Take Action

For the following situations, call the Wildlife Hotline at (205)621-3333 immediately for information on how to rescue the bird.

	If the baby bird's parents are known to be dead
	If the bird is visibly hurt (if it is bleeding or is struggling)
	If the bird is tangled in string or plastic
	If the bird is stunned from crashing into a window
	If there are flies, maggots, or ants on the bird

In the meantime, it is best to wear gloves to catch the bird. You may have to approach it from behind and use a towel, sheet or blanket to throw over it. After lining a cardboard box with soft, ravel-free material, place the bird in the cardboard box and close the lid to warm it. It is not necessary to poke holes in the box; the bird will get plenty of air, and a dark environment helps to keep it calm. If the bird is alert, you may offer water in a jar lid, but do not try to feed it.

The Wildlife Center does not have the personnel to send people out to rescue baby songbirds. The exception to this rule is baby raptors, who often require specialized training and equipment to capture. If a Wildlife Center volunteer will be sent to capture a bird, keep monitoring it until the volunteer arrives so that the bird's location is known.

Please Note:

All migratory birds are protected by federal and state law, and there are stiff penalties for violations. It is illegal to shoot, trap, or otherwise harm any bird of prey. It is illegal to have possession of a bird of prey, even if it's one that was injured or orphaned. It is even illegal to possess an egg or feather of one of these birds without a special federal permit. These laws are intended to protect our valuable birds of prey, so they will continue to play their vital role in maintaining the health of Alabama's natural ecosystems.

Help Protect Baby Birds by Keeping your Cat Indoors

One of the best things you can do to protect the birds around your home is to keep your cats indoors. Millions of birds of different species are killed by domestic cats each year, according to scientific studies. Even birds that survive cat attacks often die from an infection brought on by the cat's claws or teeth. Keeping your cat indoors will help protect baby birds, and it will also keep your cat safe from cars, attacks by other animals, diseases, and parasites.

Helping Baby Mammals Stay in the Wild

As with birds, mammal parents will not reject their babies if they have been touched by humans. If you have had a baby mammal 24 hours or less, the baby is not injured, and you know where it came from-REUNITE!

Squirrels are independent of their parents when their tails are bushy and they are about half the size of adults. To reunite infant grey squirrels with their parents, place them in a box with a soft cloth and a hot water bottle. Put the box at the base of a nest tree and let the mother reclaim it. Confine domestic animals and watch from inside for at least two hours. Juvenile grey squirrels may look like babies, but they are old enough to be out on their own. Confine domestic animals, and leave them alone. Treat flying squirrels the same, only put them back after dark.

Chipmunks should be treated similarly to squirrels. One difference is that their boxes should be placed near the underground burrow opening. Note: If baby is still in the box after four hours, consider it orphaned. Contact the Wildlife Center Emergency Hotline at (205) 621-3333 for assistance.

Rabbits are independent of their mothers at 16 days. Even if the rabbit is still tiny, release it if the eyes are open and the ears are upright and will rotate. If it is younger, it must be placed in the original nest if possible. If the nest site is unknown, the baby is an orphan. Contact the Wildlife Center Emergency Hotline at (205) 621-3333 for assistance.

Opossums are independent of their parents when they quit hanging on their mother's back. If they are about six inches long excluding the tail, are fully furred with open eyes and well developed teeth, release them.

Raccoons, Fox, Bats, Skunks, Bobcats

These animals are classified as high-risk for rabies, which can be transferred through saliva. Do not handle them if at all possible; if you must touch the animal, use gloves and a heavy towel. Contact the Wildlife Center Emergency Hotline at (205) 621-3333 immediately for information on how to rescue these mammals.

When you cannot return the baby to its home:

For the following situations, call the Wildlife Center Emergency Hotline at (205) 621-3333 immediately for information on how to rescue the mammal. 1. If the baby mammal's parents are known to be dead. or 2. If the animals is visibly injured (if it is bleeding or appears to be sick).

What to do until you talk to The Wildlife Center Emergency Hotline:

Warm the infant by wrapping it in a warmed, soft, ravel-free cloth and put it in an appropriately sized box. Place the box half on and half off a heating pad set on a low temperature. This can be a temporary 'home' for the baby.

Rehydrate the animal. The baby may be dehydrated and might not be able to digest food. Instead, offer any one of the following rehydration formulas:

	Pedialyte - an oral hydrating solution for human infants. It is available at drug stores and larger supermarkets. Use clear, no flavor.
	Homemade Electrolyte Solution - 1 quart warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt.
	Gatorade - Use regular flavor, not fruit. It is available at your local grocery.

NOTE: Do not keep a baby mammal on rehydration fluids more than six hours. The proper diet is vital or the baby will die. Never use cow’s milk; break in gradually.

All infant wild mammals must be stimulated to eliminate wastes. While the baby is in your care, you should stimulate the baby after each feeding using a warm, moist cotton ball or tissue. Stroke the genital area gently, and you should obtain results in a moment or two. Don't be alarmed if the infant doesn't have a bowel movement every time. Many times babies will have a stool only once or twice a day. However, if you get no results within 36-48 hours, seek medical advice.

FAILURE TO STIMULATE AN ANIMAL CAN CAUSE UREMIC POISONING AND DEATH!