INJURED ADULT WILDLIFE

     Any animal can be dangerous when injured, but this is especially true of wild animals and birds. The teeth, claws, and talons of wild animals/birds are very dangerous. Call the appropriate authorities, rehabilitators or our office when you find injured adult wildlife. Do not attempt to treat or rehabilitate these animals yourself. It is both dangerous and illegal. It is vital that you keep in mind that all mammals have the potential to carry rabies.,a highly FATAL and contagious diesease.  An animal does not necessarily have to bite you in order to expose you to the rabies virus. 

 

     Foxes, skunks and raccoons are notorious carriers of rabies and should by handled by licensed wildlife handlers only. If you suspect a wild animal has rabies, call the Frederick County Animal Control Center.

     Because of limited funds and resources we are only capable of accepting ill or injured wildlife.  If you have found an orphaned wildlife baby, please contact one of the rehabilitators listed at the bottom of this page.  Prior to doing anything, however, please consult the guidelines below.

 

     This information is designed to help you decide when it is appropriate and inappropriate to intervene or "rescue" wildlife.  You will find also find which rehabilaitators and/or agencies to contact and when you should contact our clinic.

NEVER attempt to keep a wild animal as a pet. It is not only dangerous to both you and the animal, it is also illegal to keep wild animals.

 

WILDLIFE BABIES

A lack of knowledge in how wild animals protect and train their young leads many humans to believe that wild babies have been abandoned or orphaned and need our assistance.  We receive hundreds of calls from concerned clients regarding what they believe are abandoned/orphaned wildlife babies. However, in most cases, the parent is in the nearby brush or treetops. You should intervene only when you know for certain that the animal is orphaned, injured or  in danger.  Contrary to popular belief, touching wild animal babies will not prevent the parent from returning to the nest and caring for their young. However, to reduce stress to the animal and injury to yourself, handle these babies as little as possible and wear gloves.

 

BIRDS

Baby birds that are trying their wings for flight will often fall or land in the grass below their nesting area.  The parent is usually nearby and, if the baby is left alone, will encourage the young bird to flight.  It may take up to three days for the baby to learn to fly. If the bird is in an exposed and vulnerable place, observe the following guidelines:

 

•    If the bird is feathered and able to perch, place it back in its nest or on the nearest tree limb.

•    If the bird is feathered but cannot perch, place it in a thicket or under some nearby brush.

•    If the bird is unfeathered, gently warm it in the palm of your hands and place it back in the nest.

•    If the nest is not within reach or if the bird is injured, call either a rehabilitator or our office.

 

Birds of prey (such as hawks and owls), migratory birds (such as songbirds) and water­fowl (such as geese and ducks) are protected by federal law and are to be handled by licensed wildlife handlers only. It is especially dangerous to attempt to rescue young owls or hawks. The parents are very protective of their young and have been known to inflict serious injury on humans.

 

When dealing with these birds, call the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). or Frederick County Animal Control.   Only if the bird is injured and you are unable to make contact with these government agencies should you call our office.

 

RABBITS AND OTHER SMALL MAMMALS

To protect her nest from being discovered by predators, the mother rabbit will avoid the nest during the daylight hours, returning during the late evening and night time to care for her young. As long as the nest of baby rabbits is not in immediate danger, it should be left alone.  If the rabbit's nest has been disturbed or damaged, try to repair the nest keeping as much of the original nest material whenever possible. Place the young back in the nest. The mother will return when she feels it is safe to do so.  Rabbits that are fully furred and able to "hop" as opposed to "scoot" are old enough to be on their own and should be left alone. If they are in a vulnerable place, remove them to a thicket or large field area.  If the rabbit is injured or cannot be returned to the nest, contact a rehabilitator or our office. Do not attempt to treat these animals on your own.

Other small mammals such as squirrels and opossums are often found orphaned. Again, contact a rehabilitator or our office if it is injured or cannot be returned to the nest.

 

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WILDLIFE PHONE NUMBERS

Injured/Orphaned Birds & Small Mammals

Frederick Co. Animal Control ...301-600-1546

Department of Natural Resources ...1-877-463-6497

Second Chance Wildlife Rescue ...1-301-926-9453

 

Injured/Orphaned Deer

Frederick Co. Animal Control... 301-600-1546

Second Chance Wildlife Rescue...1-301-926-9453

 

Rabies Vector Species (Bats, Skunks, Fox, Raccoons)

Frederick Co. Animal Control...301-600-1546

Second Chance Wildlife Rescue ...301-926-9453

 

For Additional Information

Department of Natural Resouces ...1-877-463-6497