Spring has sprung, and with the season come baby animals. What should you do if you find a helpless little one in your yard? Following are some guidelines from the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition, an emergency room shelter for native Texas wildlife, located at 595 Wycliffe off of I-10 West. Although the shelter is not close to the Spring, Texas, area, a call to them at 713-468-8972 will help you decide the best course of action, and/or put you in contact with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in our area.

Baby Birds -- If uninjured and you can safely reach the nest, put it back! Contrary to popular belief, the parents will not reject the baby if you touch it. (They don't have a well-developed sense of smell.) If the nest has been destroyed, make a substitute nest out of a basket or hanging planter and hang it in the vicinity of the nest. If the parents don't return by nightfall or if the baby bird has been injured, place it inside a box or paper sack. Do not feed the bird or offer it water. Keep the bird in a warm, quiet place and contact TWRC.

Baby Squirrels -- If the squirrel is uninjured, use gloves to pick it up and place it in a shoe box off the ground, away from ants. If injured or the mother doesn't return after a few hours, place the baby inside a box or pet kennel with some old towels. Once again, do not feed or offer water. Keep in a warm, quiet place and contact TWRC.

Why no food or water for baby birds and mammals? Liquids can go down into the animal's lungs. Feeding can do more damage than good, causing diarrhea and dehydration.

If an animal or bird has been caught by a cat, call the TWRC and if possible take it to the shelter immediately. Even if wounds are not visible, antibiotics are necessary.

The TWRC web site http://www.twrc-houston.org is a great place for more information about orphaned animals. A 20-year-old, nonprofit organization, TWRC admitted over 5,000 animals last year. Volunteers, as well as tours of the facility, are welcome. You can also help them out by requesting a Kroger Share Card or Randalls Good Neighbor Card; each time you shop, a portion of your purchase total will be donated to the shelter.

Have fun exploring your own backyard!

© Carol Wells, 2008