Pasadena Humane Releases Guidelines Detailing How to Care for Baby Mammals Found in the Wild

Image Courtesy The Pasadena Humane Society

The infographic also appears at the bottom of this article— Editor

The Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA (PHS) has published an infographic about how to care for baby mammals or what to do when you find them helpless in the wild or near your home.

“If the animal is sick or injured, immediately call the Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151,” the infographic said.

Most times, baby mammals will be found near their nest or den, and the advice is: put it in its nest if the nest is intact. If the baby is a bunny, cover it with a light layer of grass.

If you can’t find the nest, you can make one out of a shallow box and place the baby mammal in it, and put the box close to where you found the baby. It’s mother should be looking around for it.

The animal’s mother will only be able to find it if it’s crying for her. The PHS advises playing a clip of the animal sound on YouTube near the box to get the animal to cry for its mother.

According to the infographic, you can watch and wait but must stay completely out of sight. Mothers won’t return if there’s any trace of humans. Some mothers only return at dusk and dawn.

It may take the mother four to six hours to return.

If not, call the Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151.

The small shallow box you made should be enough to use as a transport container for the rescue. You may line the box with a soft, clean cloth with no strings or loops and make air holes for ventilation. Be sure to protect yourself by wearing gloves to prevent the animal from biting or scratching you. Gloves can also help protect you from any fleas, lice, ticks, or diseases the animal may be carrying.

If you have to take the baby mammal home, don’t keep an injured or sick mammal there longer than necessary.

Do not attempt to feed the baby mammal unless you have sought professional advice. If it feels cold to the touch, warm the animal by putting one end of the container on a heating pad set on low, or by filling an empty bottle with warm water, wrapping it in cloth and putting it next to the animal. Screw the cap on tightly to prevent the container from leaking.

Be sure to wash your hands after handling the baby mammal. Additionally, wash anything the animal was in contact with to prevent the spread of disease and parasites to you and your pets.