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Helping Injured Animals
Animals become injured in a variety of ways. An animal might get hit by a car, fly into a window, get tangled in fishing line, kite string or fencing; a baby bird falls to the ground, or an animal might be intentionally hurt. The first thing is to determine if the animal really needs help. Do not attempt to rescue birds of prey or other large birds such as a Great Blue Heron without an experienced, trained wildlife rescuer. Well-intentioned people often get injured by trying to rescue hurt wildlife. Other times, they compound the animal's injuries while trying to capture it. It is best, if possible, to leave this to a trained wildlife officer or rehabilitator.
The information listed below is a suggestion only. Wind Over Wings does not take responsibility for any injury or loss resulting from interactions with wildlife. Our number one recommendation is that you do not ever try to handle wildlife by yourself. Find a trained, licensed rehabilitator or a wildlife officer to handle the problem.
A Baby Bird Fell Out of its Nest
If a baby songbird falls out of its nest, and does not appear to be injured, carefully place the baby back in its nest if the nest is safely within reach. Put it back in the nest if the baby has no feathers and is not learning how to fly. If the nest is too high, place the baby on paper towels in a hanging plastic basket and hang the basket from a limb near the nest. Staying back from the nest, monitor the nest for a half-hour to be sure that the parent is alive and finds the baby. If the parent does not return, or if the baby is injured, call the Department of Environmental Protection in Connecticut at (860) 424-3011, After hours (860)424-3333 (or your state's equivalent department, i.e. the Department of Natural Resources). They will give you the names of federally licensed wildlife rehabilitators. It takes special permits to rehabilitate wildlife. Do not give the baby bird food or water. Get it to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Orphans
Be sure that the baby animal or bird that you believe to be orphaned does not have a parent nearby. Deer, rabbits, and other mammals leave youngsters alone for long periods of time. Do not jump to the conclusion that the animal has been orphaned.
Even when a young fledgling bird has fallen from a branch, the parents will often continue to feed and care for it while on the ground. Youngsters fall while learning to fly, and will remain out of the nest for several days. Before you rush to the bird's rescue, watch it for several hours (from a distance, using binoculars, so as not to frighten the parents) to determine whether the parents are nearby.
An Injured Animal
Call DEP (or your state's equivalent service) (860) 424-3011 or After hours (860) 424-3333 for the name of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal control operator. While you go for help, if possible leave someone at the site to keep an eye on the animal, to keep away predators (especially cats and dogs) and keep track of the injured animal if it begins to move. Remember, hurt and frightened animals and birds will often lash out at those trying to help. Stay a safe distance away (probably further than you would imagine). The animal will not recognize that you are trying to help. Do not give the animal food or water.
10 TIPS FOR HELPING WILDLIFE
1. Pick up litter. Articles such as kite string, fishing line, 6-pack
rings, plastic bags and Styrofoam are particularly harmful to wildlife
and the environment. Dispose of all trash properly.
2. Join in efforts to protect wildlife and restore and preserve habitats. Libraries, web sites and local conservation groups are excellent resources.
3. If you must cut down shrubs or trees, check for active nests first.
4. Avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides and poisons. If they must be used be sure to follow directions exactly.
5. Supervise dogs when they are outdoors. Keep cats indoors as much as possible.
6. Create wildlife habitats by planting native shrubs, trees and flowers.
7. Once you begin feeding backyard birds, continue to do so over the winter as they become dependent upon that source.
8. Be aware of wildlife's need for fresh water during the winter as natural sources begin to freeze over. This may require changing the water twice a day if it becomes frozen.
9. Know who to call if you find an injured animal:
CT. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(860) 424-3011
24 HOUR HOTLINE (860) 424-3333
10. If you find an injured animal:
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Touch as little as possible—if you must touch a wild animal, always wash your hands first (for the animal's protection) and afterwards (for your protection).
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Keep it warm
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Call a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. The D.E.P. will have the name and telephone number of the rehabilitator nearest you.
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Do not try to feed any wildlife until you have spoken with someone from the D.E.P. or a wildlife rehabilitator.
The Board of Directors of Wind Over Wings wish to thank Acorn Computing for this web site and
Ken Mulcahy for ongoing updates.
Wind Over Wings
22 Old Road
Clinton, CT 06413
(860) 669-4004
E-mail: windoverwings@comcast.net