Wildlife Emergency

People often want to help or assist a sick, injured or orphaned hummingbird.  Often by helping, humans can accidentally hurt these tiny and fragile birds.  Hummingbird nests may appear to be abandoned, so please watch the nest for 45 minutes (uninterrupted) to be certain that the mother is not returning. It will take her only a matter of seconds to feed the babies, so if you look away, you may miss it!  The mother will usually not sit on the nest once the eggs have hatched and the young have some ability to control their body temperature (approximately 9-12 days of age). The mother is off getting food for the babies. She returns to feed and is off again. If the mother does not return during the uninterrupted time frame, then remove the nest by cutting the branch it is constructed on and bring it into the Wildlife Center ASAP.

If you determine that a hummingbird needs to be rescued and it is on the ground approach the bird slowly.  Gently cup both your hands around it and lift the bird up and bring it into the house.  Be alert to keep your hands on the bird and cupped so that in case the bird becomes agitated he/she doesn’t fall from your hand and is injured further or attempts to fly. Place the bird in a small box proportioned to its size on crumpled tissue or paper towel (do not use cloth, as its feet may become entangled). 

We have both jackrabbits and cottontails in Placer County. Jackrabbits are “precocial”, meaning they are born fully furred with their eyes open. Cottontails are altricial, meaning they are born blind and hairless.

Jackrabbits:

The mother jackrabbit does not keep her young in a nest, rather she separates her litter to increase their chances of survival. She leaves them alone, other than to feed them 2-3 times a day. The baby’s main defense is to freeze, which is often mistaken for being calm. It is not calm, it is terrified, and can die from stress. Leave the baby hidden in grass, and its mother will return to the area and call to it to nurse.

Cottontails:
If the babies’ eyes are closed, the nest is intact, and babies look content, appear plump not lean, are warm to the touch and are snuggled next to each other sleeping, and there does not seem to be any danger; PLEASE re-cover the nest. 
If in doubt of their condition, you can also double check their hydration by gently pinching the skin between their shoulder blades and releasing.  If the skin returns to normal within a few seconds the baby is properly hydrated.  If the skin remains in a ridge and does not promptly return then the baby is dehydrated.  A dehydrated baby needs to be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator IMMEDIATELY. 
After re-covering the nest, apply string or yarn in an “X” shape and wait twelve hours to determine if mom is returning and feeding the babies.  If after twelve hours the “X” is disturbed, double check to make sure babies still look content, plump, warm and are snuggling/sleeping.  If the answer is yes then mom is taking care of the babies. 
HOWEVER, if the babies look lean, are searching and moving around and are cold to the touch, gather babies and IMMEDIATELY transport to our WIC.
If babies appear to be injured immediately transport to our WIC.

Carefully assess the situation to make sure it safe for you to capture the wild animal. If you are on a public roadway, always call Placer County Animal Services (530-886-5500) for assistance. Do NOT put yourself in danger!
Always wear leather gloves and eye protection.
If you determine the animal needs help and you are able to safely capture it, place it in a secure container (cardboard box, pet carrier, even a paper bag works for songbirds!). Make sure there are air holes in the container and that it is escape-proof.

Please use caution when approaching a seemingly injured/sick raptor. A wild animal will perceive you as a danger, and will act accordingly. Be very careful of their talons, and beak, both of which can seriously injure you.

• Wear thick leather gloves (e.g. welding or heavy gardening gloves)
  
• Use a blanket, towel or even a jacket to temporarily cover the bird
  
• After placing the towel over the bird, through the towel, gently fold the wings into its body, holding them against the body with your arms
  
• Slide your gloved hands underneath the birds and grab one leg in each hand (your arms will be bracketing the wings)
  
• Once you have the legs, you can safely lift and carry to container
  
• Use a container (box or pet carrier) slightly larger than the bird – too large and the bird can thrash around and further injure itself. Paper towel or newspaper in the bottom of the box will help it keep from sliding around.
  
• Never transport a bird loose in your vehicle.
  
• Keep warm, dark, quiet and away from children and pets.
  
• Transport to our WIC as soon as possible.

Any young, fluffy duckling, gosling or game bird that is on its own needs to be rescued. These large broods often become separated from their mom while crossing busy roads, falling into storm drains or being chased by cats and dogs. If you see mom nearby, observe to make sure they reunite. If no mom is around, safely capture the youngster(s) and transport them to our WIC.

You can gently use a towel, sheet or jacket to help capture the babies and place them into a cardboard box or animal carrier. NOTE: Very small ducklings and quail can squeeze thru the wire door and holes in many carriers, so please make sure you use something escape proof.