Wild animals are all around us whether we live in the city or country. Many of us enjoy watching birds, deer, and other wildlife go about their business. They are beautiful to look at and seem mysterious to us; and all wild animals serve a purpose in nature--even the ones we would rather avoid, like skunks!
Many times, however, humans intervene in the lives of wildlife with sometimes dire consequences to both us and them. Below are some rules to follow as you encounter wildlife. Keeping these rules in mind will not only help you, but will also help the wildlife you may come across.
1. If you find a baby bird or a nest of baby birds: The first thing to do is try to locate the nest or the tree the nest came from. Put the nest back in the tree or the baby birds back in the nest and keep an eye out for the next 6-8 hours. If you can't reach the nest, you can make a nest out of a plastic container with holes in the bottom. Place some leaves, etc in the container, attach it to the tree, and place the babies inside. If no birds are seen feeding the babies, then it's time to call animal control, wildlife and parks, or a rehabilitator.
2. If you find a baby deer: Please don't touch it! Mother deer leave their babies hiding in the grass for long periods of time. Unless the baby is in immediate danger (around dogs,etc) leave it alone. Normal baby deer lay very still, curled up. Check on the baby deer from a distance every 4-6 hours. If it is still there after 12 hours, something has probably happened to the mother and someone needs to be called to help it. Never feed a baby deer cow milk--this is detrimental to their health and can cause life threatening diarrhea.
3. If you find baby rabbits: Try to leave them where you found them. If that is absolutely impossible, move the nest as little as possible to a suitable location. Mother rabbits usually are only around the nest at night, so it is normal to find baby bunnies alone all day. Place some string or small twigs over the nest and check it in the morning. If the string or twigs have not been moved, it's time to call in help. Again, don't feed them, call a rehabilitator, animal control, or wildlife and parks.
4. If you find a baby skunk or raccoon: Please do not handle these animals! They both carry diseases that humans can contract and can be life threatening. Call for assistance.
5. If you find an injured animal whether a bird or mammal: Please call for assistance and don't handle them. Injured wildlife will try to protect themselves and you may end up getting hurt. If you attempt to help and get bit by a mammal--that animal will have to euthanized and tested for Rabies. So, please call for help before you touch them!
Wildlife rehabilitation is a valuable service that volunteers donate to the entire community. We are inundated by animals that really don't need our help, and the unfortunate facts are that many of these animals do not survive despite our efforts. Wild animal mothers care for their young very differently than humans do, and they do a better job caring for their young than even the most experienced wildlife rehabilitators.
Important phone numbers:
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (785) 628-8614
Hays Animal Control Department (785) 650-0033
The Animal Health Center of Hays and Western Plains Animal Refuge (785) 628-8603
The Animal Health Center of Hays 3340 E 27th Hays, KS 67601 (785)628-8603
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