Spring is here and it is time for yard cleanup. It is also the time for offspring to be born to wild birds and mammals. Before you start your chores, tour your property looking for nests. As you remove debris from your flowerbeds, be on the watch for a raised mound. It could be a nest. If a tree is taken down, again look for nests. Check the hollows in the trunk.

You may feel badly for a nesting duck mom, exposed to all sorts of nasty weather. But please do not try to help her by leaving food nearby. This will attract sky predators, like hawks, owls, and crows. And at night, foxes, opossums, and raccoons will come to visit her.

Spring is also the time that anxious phone calls are made to rehabilitation centers from people having found baby wildlife in possible need of care. Here is a checklist of information you should know in case you find orphaned or injured wildlife.

Is there a visible injury? Is the animal able to walk or fly? Do you see blood? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, call your local wildlife facility or animal control for further information on caring for the animal.

Is the baby animal alone? Often times the parent is not too far away, afraid to approach because you are there. Move away and watch for a while from a distance. You may see the concerned mother return to care for her youngster. Do not remove the baby animal unless you know the mother is dead or the baby is in immediate danger.

If a baby bird has fallen from its nest, put it back if you can do it safely. Its mother will not later reject it. Do not give baby birds anything to drink. They may drown or get inhalation pneumonia.

If you decide an animal needs to be rescued, keep it away from children, pets, and curious people. Unnecessary handling and observation can cause the animal to die from stress.

Observing wildlife in the spring can be very enjoyable, but do it from a distance. If you decide they do need your help, be wise and handle them gently. Wild creatures do not make good pets. They are born into the wild and should remain wild.

If you would like training in how to care for these wild creatures, call the refuge at 757-430-2886.

Happy Spring!