Injured or 'Orphaned' Wildlife

'Orphaned' Wildlife

Before you consider taking a wild animal into your care, there are some points you should consider:

• Many animals that appear to be orphans really are not.
  
• It is common for fledglings (baby birds just learning to fly) to end up on the ground. Parents will continue to feed and care for them.
  
• Some parent animals may leave their young behind during the day while they search for food.
  
• Many adult animals may be frightened away by the presence of humans and won't return to their young until people have cleared the area.
  
• It is illegal for you to possess or rehabilitate wild animals without the proper permits. Kansas law permits non-licensed people to keep orphaned or injured wildlife for only 24 hours while trying to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
  
• Handling wild animals can put you at risk for contracting diseases from them.
  
• Raising a wild animal is time consuming and difficult.
• Wild animals have better odds of surviving if they are raised by their wild parents.

What should I do if I find an animal that I believe has been orphaned?

• Make sure your pets and your neighbors' pets are inside or away from the animal. This will protect both the wild animal and your pets.
  
• Baby birds found on the ground can be returned to the nest. If that is not possible, find a clean plastic butter bowl and line the bottom with tissue paper. Place the bird in the bowl and place the bowl in a bush or tree out of reach from cats and dogs. After you leave the bird alone for a while, the parents will most likely find it.
  
• If you find an animal other than a baby bird, leave it alone. Leave the area. If you want to watch to see if the parents return, it is best to do so inside the house where you will be out of sight and scent range from the parents.
  
• If you feel the animal has been orphaned, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. He or she can give you further assistance in determining whether or not the animal has truly been orphaned. If it has, follow his/her instructions on what to do next.

Injured Wildlife

Remember these points:

• When animals are hurt, they are more likely to bite, scratch, etc.
  
• Raptors (birds such as eagles and hawks) have extremely powerful feet and can cause serious injury.
  
• Handling wild animals can put you at risk for contracting diseases from them.
  
• It is illegal for you to possess or rehabilitate wild animals without the proper permits. Kansas law permits non-licensed people to keep orphaned or injured wildlife for only 24 hours while trying to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

What should I do if I find a wild animal that has been injured?

• Do not attempt to approach or capture the animal.
  
• Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife officer for instructions on what to do next.
  

References: Brunson, Ken. "Born to Be Wild." Kansas Dept. of Wildlife & Parks. May/June 1995.

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