By Angie Sullivan
Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in Pefferlaw, Ont., receives thousands of calls every spring about orphaned wild babies. Though the refuge hasn’t reported any babies brought in yet, there have been several phone calls.
Alison Taylor, communications manager for Shades of Hope, said, “We don’t have any babies in yet, which is a good thing. Our incessant winter has delayed baby season, but it’s coming!!
The Weather Network has forecast cooler-than-normal conditions with snow and rain persisting into the month.
Gail Lenters, founder of Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, said, “It’s very, very rare that a mother will actually abandon her young –– wild moms are great moms. We always advise our callers to leave those animals alone.”
As the weather gets warmer, more wildlife babies will be born in Georgina. Though citizens may be acting out of the goodness of their hearts, “kidnapping” babies is a true risk to their survival and well-being.
Some species are more likely to be “kidnapped” because well-meaning rescuers don’t understand the animals’ behavior.
Cottontail rabbits are common victims of kidnapping because their mothers can leave them alone for up to 23 hours a day. The normal behavior for this species is to visit the nest twice a day for five-minute feedings. If the babies are plump and wiggling, they are fine and their mother is coming back.
White-tailed deer fawns are left alone for up to eight hours while their mothers forage for food. Their predator response is to become very still and quiet. This behaviour is not a sign of injury or weakness, so please leave them alone.
Signs that an animal may be in distress include visible injuries, diarrhea matting its coats, and being covered in insects.
Lenters said, “If in doubt, please call us immediately. All baby wild animals have a better chance of survival if they stay with their mothers.”
You can learn more or donate, visit Shades of Hope
If you do find an animal you suspect needs care, please reach out: 705-437-4654.
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