Found a Baby Wild Animal?

What to Do (and NOT Do) Before You Intervene

Every spring and summer, we start getting the same messages: “I found a baby animal—what do I do?” And almost every time, the answer starts the same way:

Pause. Observe. Don’t assume it needs help.

Most baby wildlife found alone are not abandoned. In fact, intervening too quickly is one of the most common, and preventable, mistakes people make.

Step One: Observe Before Acting

Wild parents don’t care for their babies the way humans do. According to the Humane Society of the United States and National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association:

• Many species leave their young alone for long periods

• Parents often return only a few times a day

• Staying away helps avoid attracting predators

That means a baby animal alone is often exactly where it’s supposed to be.

Species-by-Species Guidance

Birds

First: identify what you’re seeing

• Nestling (no feathers, eyes closed) - Needs to be in the nest

• Fledgling (feathered, hopping around) - Learning to fly. This is normal

What to do:

• Return nestlings to the nest if possible

• Leave fledglings alone and keep pets away

What NOT to do:

• Don’t “rescue” a healthy fledgling

• Don’t worry about scent, parent birds will still care for them

Squirrels

What to do:

• If uninjured, place the baby near the base of the tree it fell from

• Observe from a distance. Mom will often retrieve it.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t take it inside right away

• Don’t assume it’s orphaned

Raccoons

What to do:

• Leave them alo

  ne and observe, especially overnight

• Reunite babies with the nest area if disturbed

What NOT to do:

• Don’t handle them (disease risk + stress)

• Don’t assume they’ve been abandoned during the day

Opossums

What to do:

• If the baby is very small (under ~7 inches, not including tail) and alone, call a rehabilitator

What NOT to do:

• Don’t assume larger juveniles need help, as they often roam independently

Deer (Fawns)

What to do:

• Leave the fawn where it is

• Keep pets and people away

What NOT to do:

• Don’t move it

• Don’t assume it’s abandoned

Fawns are often left alone for up to 12 hours while the mother feeds.[¹]

Rabbits

What to do:

• Leave them alone if they are quiet and hidden

• Observe from a distance

What NOT to do:

• Don’t touch or move them

• Don’t assume abandonment

Mother rabbits may visit only once or twice a day to avoid attracting predators.[¹]

What NOT to Do (For Any Wildlife)

Don’t Assume It’s Abandoned

Most baby wildlife found alone are not orphaned.[¹]

Don’t Take It Home

Wild animals require specialized diets and care.

Don’t Feed or Give Water

Improper feeding can cause serious injury or death.[²]

Don’t Handle Unnecessarily

Handling causes stress and can reduce chances of reunification.

Don’t Try to Raise Wildlife Yourself

Wildlife rehabilitation requires training, permits, and proper facilities.

When You SHOULD Intervene

Step in ONLY if the animal is:

• Injured

• Cold or weak

• Covered in parasites

• Confirmed orphaned (no parent return after extended observation)

• In immediate danger

What to Do If Help Is Needed

• Place the animal in a secure box

• Keep it warm, dark, and quiet

• Do not feed

• Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately

The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association emphasizes that quick transfer to trained care significantly improves survival.

West Virginia Wildlife Laws (Important!)

If you’re in West Virginia, it’s important to know:

• It is illegal to possess or care for wildlife without a permit[³]

• Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators can provide care[⁴]

• You may transport injured/orphaned wildlife to a rehabilitator or veterinarian without delay[⁵]

In short: You can help, but only to get the animal to the right place.

The Bottom Line

Your instinct to help is a good one. But with wildlife, the best help is often patience and observation, not immediate action. If you care, pause first.

Quick Summary

DO:

• Observe first

• Keep your distance

• Contact professionals if needed

DON’T:

• Assume abandonment

• Handle or move unnecessarily

• Feed or give water

• Try to raise wildlife

Sources

[¹] Humane Society of the United States

Guidance on baby wildlife and maternal behavior

[²] National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association

Wildlife care standards and feeding risks

[³] West Virginia Code §20-2-4 – Possession of wildlife

[⁴] West Virginia Code §20-2D-1 & §20-2D-4 – Wildlife rehabilitation permits

[⁵] West Virginia Code §20-2D-3 – Transport to licensed rehabilitator allowed