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, you should always reunite the baby with its own mother. There is just no substitute for the nurturing, care, and protection that a wild mother can give her infant. Just remember--Mother Knows Best!
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 (left) 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 (right) 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.
If the squirrel is injured or your attempts to reunite have been unsuccessful, click here.
Chipmunks should be treated similarly to
squirrels. One difference is that their boxes should
be placed near the underground burrow
opening.
If baby is still in the box after four hours, consider it orphaned. Click here for further instructions.
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.
If the rabbit is injured or your attempts to reunite have been unsuccessful, click here.
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. If you need further information, click here.
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. |
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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!