June Newsletter

GENERAL INTEREST
OUR NATURAL
environment
WATCH OUT FOR
BABY WILDLIFE
As spring progresses, the chance of encountering newborn
animals such as baby birds, rabbits and deer in backyards or
neighborhoods is very common. According to Colorado
Parks and Wildlife, it’s normal for animals to leave their
young alone while they go search for food. But encountering
newborn wildlife can be an awe-inspiring event and can
trigger emotions causing someone to want to “rescue” what
they think is an animal in distress.
If you encounter one of these wildlife babies who appear to
be unharmed but alone, just observe from a distance and
keep domestic animals and people away. Chances are quite
likely the mother will be back shortly. In many cases,
“rescuing baby wildlife by removing them from the wild is
unnecessary and reduces their chances of survival.
DEER
Newborn animals, like deer,
are often found without any
adult animals nearby, leading
people to believe that the
newborn has been abandoned.
That, however, is typically not
the case. If you find a fawn:
• Mothers normally leave
their babies to feed. They
often return in the late
afternoon or early dusk.
• If the baby looks cold, hungry, diseased, or confused,
or if dogs, other animals, or people threaten its safety,
call 9-1-1.
• Otherwise, leave the baby alone and leave the area.
The mother will not return if people or pets are present.
SQUIRRELS
A baby squirrel has the best chance of survival when it is
cared for by its mother.
Sometimes healthy young
squirrels found on the ground
are not orphans — they simply
need help being reunited with
their mothers. Often, mother
squirrels will “rescue” their
fallen or displaced healthy
babies by carrying them by
the scruff back to the nest.
RABBITS
Baby rabbits leave the nest
when they are three weeks old
and are about the size of a
chipmunk. If you find a
chipmunk-sized but fullyfurred
rabbit with eyes open,
ears erect, and the ability to
hop, they are meant to be on
their own. As small and helpless as they may look, they are
not an orphan and do not need your help.
RACCOONS
Raccoon mothers must
leave their babies
unattended for periods of
time while they travel
around to find food. In
mom raccoon’s absence,
the youngsters sometimes
get in trouble (e.g. fall
out of their nest tree) when they explore outside their nest.
Another reason the raccoon kits may be alone is their family
may have been displaced from their nest, and the mom may
have had to go off exploring for a new den site. And even
when she does find a new den, she can only carry one baby
at a time.
WILDLIFE AND RABIES
If you are assisting young wildlife, it is IMPERATIVE that
you protect yourself and others from being bitten or
scratched. Rabies, a deadly virus, is common in Colorado
and possible exposures to the virus (mammal bites and
scratches) MUST be taken very seriously and handled
properly. If you are bitten or scratched by a wild mammal
IMMEDIATELY wash the wound thoroughly for several
minutes with soap and running water. Then call a doctor for
further advice.
If you, or your dog or cat comes in contact and is bitten or
scratched by a raccoon, skunk, bat, fox or coyote, please
contact Tri-County Health Department at 303-220-9200
and the Greenwood Village Code Enforcement/Animal
Control.
For more information, please call Greenwood Village
Police Department Code Enforcement/Animal Control at
303-773- 2525 or Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
at 303-823-8455 or visit greenwoodwildlife.org. GV
PG. 16 GV NEWSLETTER | JUNE 2019