Spring is a beautiful time to be outside. It also is a wonderful time for children to be introduced to nature. But sometimes even spring is not all about blooming and growing. Especially in spring many animals get hurt or lost. Baby squirrels and bunnies climb out of their nests too early and don’t find their way back. Make sure to figure out first if there is really no mother close. The mother might not accept her baby after it was touched and smells different. Also children should be aware about this rule. It is not easy to care for a baby animal and most of them might not survive when not treated and fed properly.
Birds Often Just Need Some Rest
Birds might often just need some rest. If a bird hits a window and is too stunned afterwards to fly again, it might be best to keep it in a safe place. It is okay to touch grown birds. Hide the bird under a bush. Even better is to find a safe place further up. This way the bird will be safe from cats and other animals. If the bird is severely hurt, put him in a cardboard box with some old towels. It is essential to keep his temperature up.
First Aid with Hot-Water Bottle
One of the most important first aid items for all wild animals is a hot-water bottle. Simply fill an empty plastic bottle with very warm to hot water, put it in an old sock and place it in the box next to the hurt animal. Especially baby animals are not able to keep their temperature up by themselves. Keeping them warm enough is essential for their survival.
Never Feed Cows-Milk
Although it might be necessary to give the animals some water to prevent dehydration, do not overdo that. Especially babies need space in their stomach for more nutritious food. There are some good online sources, like Squirrel Rehab, which refer to local animal-rehabilitators and have suggestions for a proper baby-squirrel diet. Never feed cows milk or infant formula to a baby squirrel. The best choice is the puppy milk-supplement Esbilac.
Often the local pet store might have the number of a good animal rehabilitator; also ask the local government-representatives and at the police station. If there is no animal rehabilitator try a local veterinarian. Some might even help without charging a high fee.
Get Help
Don’t try to heal and raise a wild animal without help or proper food and knowledge. There are many ways to volunteer with animals. Baby animals are very cute and especially children might just want to keep them. But those babies are no cuddle-toys, they deserve proper care and the chance to grow up and live in the wild again.
Josefine Köhn-Haskins - Josefine Köhn-Haskins is an award winning journalist, author and correspondent.
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