Ohio State University Extension Wildlife specialist Marne Titchenell tells us not to do anything in most cases.
What may seem like an abandoned animal may be a young one being encouraged by its parent to go out on its own.
Rabbit kits (babies) for instance leave the nest when they mature around three weeks. If the kit has erect ears and open eyes, leave it alone. Mom is feeding nearby and will return at night.
Marne says that leaving wildlife young alone is a parental strategy that helps to ensure baby’s safety and protection.
If you come across a baby bird with feathers fully covering the body, leave it alone. At this point, it’s called a fledgling and is learning to fly.
If the baby bird has no feathers, is covered by down and appears to have fallen from a nearby nest, go ahead and put it back into the nest. Marne suggests that if the nest has been destroyed, you can build a new nest (not quite as good as mom’s however).
Wildlife parents won’t abandon their baby unless there is an accident or injury. Though our instincts tell us to care for these seemingly abandoned animals, it’s best to let nature take its course.
In addition, Marne reminds us to remember that these are wild animals and they can bite or scratch. Some may potentially spread a disease or parasite.
If you observe an injured animal, go to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website and search for Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators. This is a list of people who have permits to take in wild animals and rehabilitate them. The list also shows you what animals they accept.
You can also find more information on orphaned and injured wildlife, including a factsheet (Think Before You Act) on specific species and what to do.
Gardeners also tend to deal with nuisance wildlife, especially in the spring when these animals are on the move. Part of gardening, no matter if you live in the city or in the country, is dealing with nuisance wildlife at one point in time (or maybe all of the time).
Before you trap and relocate that raccoon or skunk, know the Ohio law on nuisance wild animal control. It is against the law to relocate these critters from your property. You have to either euthanize the animal or release it back on your property.
This law was established to prevent potential spread of disease. Hire a professional pest control operator who is licensed knows the proper methods for removal. There is also a list of these professional wild animal control operators on the same website.
The best strategy for managing nuisance wildlife is to learn about their life cycle and the options recommended helping prevent major issues.
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