VBSPCA

Congratulation! It’s a hatchling robin, newborn squirrel or maybe even a nest of bouncing baby bunnies. Spring is full of surprises and the sudden boom of baby wildlife is among them. Once the cold of winter begins to give way and people start enjoying outdoor activities again, they are certain to notice the activity of wildlife around them. It is not unusual to encounter some of these new arrivals that may also be in need of assistance. Being exposed, out in the open, or on the ground makes them especially vulnerable to wild and domestic predators. These healthy babies just need a dedicated person willing to take the time to attempt to reunite them with their parents. But those that have strayed too far, been separated too long or are injured need a little extra help. The Virginia Beach SPCA's Wildlife Program is there for just that purpose. They receive hundreds of calls and visits to their website vbspcawildlife.com per week from people needing assistance.

The Virginia Beach SPCA's Wildlife Program consists of a network of volunteers and permitted wildlife rehabilitators lending their time and expertise to the welfare and care of wildlife in our community. The Virginia Beach SPCA is one of only a handful of shelters in the country that operates an onsite Wildlife Room. Wildlife that arrive at the shelter are triaged until they are transported to area rehabilitators for ongoing care, and are ultimately released.

Volunteers are the core of the Wildlife Program. To promote the recruitment of new volunteers and provide continuing education to existing volunteers, the Virginia Beach SPCA will be presenting a one-day Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference in mid-April of 2009. Classes will include Baby Bird Rearing Techniques, and Common Parasites, Injuries and Illnesses. Also included will be a Mammal Rearing class, which is highly recommended for anyone interested in fostering orphaned kittens and puppies for the VBSPCA. More details regarding registration will be available soon on our website, or by emailing specialprojects@vbspca.com.

Remember, if you find yourself in a situation where it is necessary to assist one of "spring's surprises," know that there are resources in your community to assist you. You can visit vbspcawildlife.com for additional information.

Should That Baby Be Rescued Or Reunited?

Here are some screening techniques from wildliferehabber.com. If you answer YES to any of these questions, please contact an experienced wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife organization in your area.

Is it injured? Any evidence of blood in any amount, any signs of torn or punctured skin, breathing heavily, sitting or laying in an awkward position, etc.

Is it cold? A baby's body temperature can range from 101-105 degrees. They should feel very warm to the touch.

Does its abdomen appear overly wrinkled or paperish-white? Skin should be stretched tight and pink like the inside of your forearm.

Does its abdomen and eyes appear sunken-in? They should have bright round eyes and enormous pot-bellies.

Is it lethargic, inactive, keeps its eyes closed most of the time, prefers to keep its head tucked back into its feathers, or uninterested in it's surroundings?

Was it handled by a dog or cat/did you find it near a dog or cat? (internal injuries may not be apparent)

Is it in imminent danger, or exposed (out in the open) where wild and domestic predators can easily see it?

Are there dead siblings/parents near-by?

Are there flies or ants around the baby?

For baby birds, does the baby seem extra fluffy or "puffy"?

Possible fractures? When you gently extend wings and legs, the baby should be able to easily pull them back into proper position.