Found a Baby Animal? Here's What to Do
Spring is baby season! It's common to find young wildlife in your yard. However, well-meaning humans often "kidnap" babies that don't actually need help. Here is a quick guide.
đ° Baby Rabbits
Scenario: You find a nest of bunnies in the grass, but no mom.
Verdict: Leave them alone. Mother rabbits only visit the nest twice a day (dawn and dusk) to avoid attracting predators. If the babies look plump and warm, they are fine.
đĻ Baby Birds
Scenario: A bird is hopping on the ground but can't fly.
Verdict: If it has feathers, it's a fledgling. It is learning to fly. The parents are nearby watching and feeding it. Keep pets away and leave it be. If it has no feathers (nestling), try to put it back in the nest.
đĻ Fawns (Baby Deer)
Scenario: A fawn is curled up alone in the grass.
Verdict: Leave it alone. Does leave their fawns hidden for hours while they forage. The fawn's camouflage and lack of scent protect it. The mother will return.
đŋī¸ Baby Squirrels
Scenario: A baby squirrel fell from a tree.
Verdict: Give the mother a chance to retrieve it. Place the baby in a small box at the base of the tree. Keep pets away. If she doesn't come back by dark, call a wildlife rehabilitator.
When to Call Us
We specialize in removing wildlife that is inside your home or causing damage. If you have a family of raccoons in your attic or skunks under your deck, that is a job for Varmint Ridders.
For sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in your yard, please contact a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator.
Contact Varmint Ridders