Babies, babies & more babies!

Dear Grace,

Spring has finally arrived and wild animals across the province are starting their wild families. But it's a dangerous world out there. Dens, nests and burrows are being disturbed, destroyed or invaded leaving their inhabitants, babies, without a home. The lucky ones have parents who've planned for such events and have alternative homes at the ready -- while other parents just won't make it back to care for their newborns because they have run into danger.

Imagine a young porcupette following her mother as they cross a busy highway and she is hit by a car, or the hatchling bird's call going unanswered after it's nest has been cut down, or the young foxes unable to keep warm because their mom was shot.

These vulnerable baby animals face a cruel start to life. The fight for survival is almost impossible for them to tackle on their own... that's why we're go grateful for you, our community of steadfast animal advocates.

Together, we can give each and every animal that comes to us for help the best possible chance at returning to their intended wild life, not just because they deserve it, or because we owe it to them, but, more importantly, because we are losing our precious wildlife... and wild places... at an alarming rate. And, if we lose our wild animals and wild spaces, we will no longer enjoy a healthy environment supported by a balanced ecosystem

Thank you for your on-going support!

Gail

Gail Lenters,

Founder & Chief Animal-Lover

PS: To all the mom's out there, Happy Mother's Day.

"If a human touches a hatchling bird, the parents will no longer care for it, and I should bring it to a wildlife rehabber."

MYTH.

Most birds have an extremely poor sense of smell. They will not be able to detect human scent on their young and WILL care for their babies if reunited.

If a nestling bird falls from its' nest, he/she should be placed back as soon as possible. The nest will be nearby.

If the nest it too high, you can fashion a new one out of a small container like a strawberry basket. Line the container with an old t-shirt or paper towel (anything dry will work). Gently put the hatchling inside and affix the artificial nest in a tree close to where the bird was found.

A bird this young will not last long out of its' nest.

"If a bird is flapping around on the ground, it needs to be rescued."

MYTH.

This is, most likely, a fledgling bird and it doesn't need your help! At this stage in their development, the parents encourage the birds to leave the nest to learn how to fly and forage on their own. They may look awkward, but this is normal. The parents are never far away and will swoop down regularity to feed their baby.

Remember, the best place for any wild animal to grow up is with their parents, in their natural environment!

WHEN IN DOUBT, REACH OUT!

There are exceptions to every rule, so if you DO spot a bird you think needs help, reach out! Our care team is just a phone call away and can tell you if a rescue is needed. 705-437-4650

Case #: 25-0852

Infant coyote orphaned when mom was hit by a car.