|
Injured Mammals
Info Line
(502) 238-5472 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
MAMMALS
The Louisville zoo no
longer has a wildlife rehab program. If you find an orphaned or injured
wild mammal, please contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 595-4039 for a
list of wildlife rehabilitators.
If you find a nest of
baby bunnies, do not assume that they have been abandoned. Mom will
only come around at night to feed them, you will not see her during the
day. Keep dogs and cats away and give mom a chance to raise her
family. It does not matter if you touch them, your smell is not
important.
An older bunny that
is hoping around and about the size of your fist should be left alone.
Bunnies are on their own at a very early age. Again keeps dogs and cats
away.
If you find a baby
squirrel that can be returned to its nest, do so and watch from a
distance. If they cannot be returned to nest you may try making an
artificial nest and putting near the tree and watch to see mom will
retrieve her babies. Orphaned animals that cannot be returned to mom
should be put in a warm, quiet place in a covered, but well ventilated
container with soft bedding. Wild mammals are easily stressed and
should be disturbed as little as possible. Keep children and dogs and
cats away. For warmth, you can place a heating pad set on low with a
towel between the pad and box.
Do not attempt to
feed cold babies, you must warm them first. For the first 24 hours
offer the baby only rehydration fluid such as pedialyte or a homemade
solution using 1 cup water, ½ teas. Sugar and a pinch of salt – warm and
offer every few hours. Healthy babies can be fed fresh warmed Esbilac
formula that you can purchase at a pet store. Feed every 3 – 4 hours.
They will take between 1 – 6 cc depending on their age. Best feeding
tool is a 1 cc syringe or eye dropper. Feed slowly so baby does not
choke. If eyes are closed, infant’s genital area must be cleaned to
stimulate elimination. Do this with a moist cotton ball or soft cloth.
If you find an inured
adult mammal of any species do not attempt to pick it up – the animal
will be scared and may be aggressive. If possible and it can be safely
done you may try to scoop up animal gently with a large shovel and put
in a sturdy box and contact F/W. Do not attempt to feed.
Remember these are
general guidelines. It is important to place native animals in the
hands of a licensed rehabilitator for assessment and care. Native
mammals are protected by law and may not be kept with proper permits or
as pets. |
