Wild animals need specialized care and medical treatment that only a trained and licenced rehabilitator can provide. In most areas, it is illegal for the general public to care for wildlife. Most importantly, NEVER give any food or water to injured or orphaned wildlife until you have talked to a rehabilitator. Feeding the wrong thing, at the wrong time, in the wrong way can be very harmful to the animal.

The following information provides basic guidance on caring for injured or orphaned small mammals until you can reach us. Click here for other Ottawa area rehabilitators and international contacts.

In rescuing animals, your health and safety should be your primary concern. We do not recommend that you handle any adult wildlife yourself&mdashcontact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal shelter for advice. If you must handle an animal, we suggest you always wear heavy gloves to protect yourself. And remember to keep wildlife away from children pets.

IS THE ANIMAL REALLY ORPHANED?
Statistics show that many orphaned wildlife are mistakenly &ldquokidnapped&rdquo by well-meaning but uninformed people who do not realize that it is normal for wild mothers to leave their young alone during the day or who may later retrieve babies who do wander off. If you have taken a wild baby and it doesn&rsquot have any signs of needing rescue (see below), put it back and leave the area&mdashthe mother will likely return to collect it given the opportunity. If the mother does not collect the baby within several hours, it might need rescuing. Give us a call at 613-258-9480 if you are unsure or need tips on trying to reunite orphaned young with their mother.

WHEN DOES A WILD MAMMAL NEED RESCUING?
Generally, if you have to &ldquochase&rdquo an animal to capture it, it does not need any help. A baby mammal might need rescuing when you answer &ldquoyes&rdquo to any of the following questions:

&bull Is it vocalizing or following people around?
&bull Is it cold or wet (this might be a temporary rescue)?
&bull Is it bleeding, injured or weak?
&bull Is it having problems breathing?
&bull Is there any discharge from the nose or mouth?
&bull Is it emaciated?
&bull Is it dehydrated (sunken eyes or abdomen)?
&bull Are there fleas or flies around the baby?
&bull Has it been handled by a cat or dog even if there are no obvious wounds?
&bull Are there dead adults/siblings nearby?
&bull Is it in imminent danger?
&bull Have you tried to reunite the baby but you have not seen the parents in a few hours?

Click here for solutions to specific orphan cases.

• Wildlife Problems
• Evicting Unwanted Tenants
• Choosing An Animal Control Company
• Found A Wildlife Orphan?
• Specific Solutions For Wildlife Babies

RVWS HOTLINE: 613-258-9480