As springtime returns, our wild neighbors are busy birthing, hatching, and rearing their young. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi spoke with the Wildlife Center of Virginia about what to do if you encounter one of those babies.
The Wildlife Center, in Waynesboro, just took in its first black bear cubs of the year – one, a likely orphaned female cub from Bristol; the other, an injured male cub from Bedford County.
ALEX WEHRUNG: The most common babies we'll admit are eastern cottontail rabbits, eastern gray squirrels, whitetail deer fawns, and Virginia possums, and a plethora of songbirds and raptors.
Alex Wehrung is the organization's public affairs manager.
WEHRUNG: This year, it seems as though the rate of baby animals coming in is a little bit lower compared to years past. … Possibly, it's that our messages of outreach and education have spread to the point that people know what to do when they encounter an animal that they think is orphaned, or they think is injured.
If you find a baby wild animal, Wehrung said to take a step back and evaluate the situation. If it's clearly injured, has been in a cat or dog's mouth, or is in a dangerous location like the side of a road, then you should call the center to ask what intervention is appropriate.
If they seem healthy, but alone, Wehrung advised keeping an eye on the critter from a distance for 24 hours, then calling the center. Some baby animals that well-meaning people bring in don't actually need help.
WEHRUNG: They're young animals, they're still receiving care from their parents, or they're … ready to live and ready to thrive on their own.
You can find species-specific advice on assessing baby animals on their website. To learn more about how the rehabilitation team cares for their young patients, tune in to the Baby Cam livestream on April 26th at 9 a.m.
