Springtime is when you will find baby rabbits or birds separated from their parents. While your first instinct may be to try help the baby animals, Reporter Hilary Sloane says often it is not time for humans to interfere…
Oftentimes when people see cute animals that have been separated from their parents, they try to help. Hi-Desert Nature Museum Program Supervisor Stefanie Ritter said the rule is if the animal has fur or feathers and its eyes are open, leave it alone unless it’s hurt. Ritter added that if a bird has fallen from its nest and it does not have feathers or its eyes open, put it back in the nest. The mother bird will not reject it. Baby jackrabbits are born in the open. Jackrabbits are born bright-eyed, fully furred, and active, but are dependent on nursing since they are unable to drink or eat on their own. If you see the baby leave it alone; the mother will be back.
If you see a dog or cat harassing the animal, bleeding, or broken limbs, a dead parent nearby or the animal is crying or shivering, then your help may be needed. Put the baby in a warm dark box with holes for ventilation and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Many sites and information can be found online.
