Baby Wildlife
Early Spring to Late Fall is generally baby season for wildlife rescue/rehab. Calls start coming in around late February/Early March and peak around June/July and taper off around September/October but as late as November depending on the weather.
Mother animals are having babies and as the year progresses, teaching them how to live and then letting them venture on their own.
Most small to medium size mammals (squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, bobcats, etc) will usually breed over winter and have their babies in the early spring. Squirrels have been known to birth as early as mid February if the temperature is right or if they are in an attic. Most song birds are hatching in the spring and flying towards the end of summer.
Deer: Many people see baby fawns and think they are abandoned. This is rarely the case. It is not uncommon to stumble on a lone motionless fawn. Deer tend to drop fawns from April to July with the majority being in June. They are born with no scent so deer will nurse their babies in the morning then leave them in the grass while she feeds and come back at night to nurse again and usually move them to a new hiding place. This is to prevent attracting predators to the baby until it is big enough to follow mom around. Sometimes a fawn will get up and walk a few steps before laying back down. Generally unless it is bleating (crying) ,which indicates that it hasn't eaten in awhile, the fawn is ok and mom has been feeding it. If you see a fawn up and bleating (crying) for several hours-Do Not Approach The Fawn. Please call Animal Control , If they are not available call CART. A doe (mother deer) will not return to the fawn if people are in the area. If you can see the fawn, the doe can see you and will not return.
Birds: If you find a bird that appears to have fallen out of the tree, you can try and place it back in the orginal nest. If the nest is destroyed you can create a substutite nest with a small straw, leaf or grass lined container (place some small holes in the bottom). For larger birds, ie hawks, owls, etc, a laundry basket can be used. If you find it on the ground again or you haven't seen mom come, get in contact with Animal Control, CART or the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary for further instructions.
As birds get older, they fledge (leave the nest to learn how to fly). Many times they will appear to have fallen out of the nest. This usually isn't the case and while learning to fly, mom and dad bird generally know it is there and will start feeding it on the ground as it learns to use its wings and fly.
Small Mammals: Mother raccoons, squirrels and other animals will move their babies if they feel there is danger near by. She will first go find a suitable spot then come back and move each baby 1 by 1. She will occasionally drop 1 but she will usually go back for it.
The best thing to do for a baby animal is to leave it alone. If you think it is in distress call Animal Control, CART or the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.
If you find a nest with baby animals, call Animal Control, CART or the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.