Baby skunk unattended on residential property

What to Do If You Find Baby Wildlife on Your Property

Spring and summer are when encounters with baby wildlife are most common, but before you take any action, it’s important to place the safety of animals and humans at the top of your list. This involves assessment, doing your research, and getting help.

Assess the Situation in a Logical Way

Spotting a baby animal in the wild can cause anyone to become sympathetic and feel as though they should help in some way, but before you decide an animal needs rescuing, assess the situation.

Does the animal appear to be injured? If so, it’s best to call a wildlife rehabilitator or other kind of animal professional. Why? Because a professional will know how to care for the animal in such a way that improves their health, and that also ensures they can return to the wild.

Those who don’t know about proper care will be able to call someone who does. Has the animal been orphaned? This can be difficult to ascertain without solid evidence, such as a deceased parent nearby or knowledge of the species.

For example, fawns are often left by themselves while the doe grazes, and it’s common for baby songbirds to be on the ground when they are learning to fly. Again, professional wildlife removal is the best option.

Research First

If it isn’t possible for an animal control or pest control professional to assist you right away, then it’s a good idea to conduct some research to learn about the particular species of baby wildlife that you’ve spotted. Some ideas for your research can include:

  • What to do with birds that have fallen out of nests
  • How to know if a rabbit/deer/raccoon/other baby animal has been orphaned
  • How to care for baby animals (replace “animals” with your specific species)

Call a Professional

Raccoons in cages captured by Animal Wildlife Control

There’s no doubt that baby wildlife is adorable. That alone can cause you to want to care for them in your own home. Yet doing so without the right knowledge can do more harm than good.

All wild animals, especially babies, require a specific mix of vitamins and nutrients that human or domestic pet food simply cannot offer. They need to be fed several times a day and night. Caring for baby wildlife requires a lot of knowledge, commitment, and work. They can also cause significant damage to your home.

Along with this, it’s illegal to trap or relocate any animal in California without both a trap number and written state permission allowing you to relocate them. It’s for these and many other reasons that calling professional wildlife removal services is best.

Animal Capture Wildlife Control services possess over 20 years of experience in trapping, relocation, and humane wildlife removal of all species.

We operate under a state trapping license and safely conduct dead animal removal, raccoon removal, and more to protect all animal species. Learn more about how our residential and commercial services can correct wildlife problems. Call (310) 551-0901.