|
Do
keep your cat inside, especially during spring and summer when baby birds are
on the ground learning to fly. If you must let your cat out, please
supervise their outdoor activity or place on a leash.
Do
try to put baby birds that are found on the ground back into the nest (only
if they have not been attacked by cats). Mother birds will not reject
babies that have been handled by people.
|
|
Raccoons often cross the road at night |
Do
drive with care on all roads. Motor vehicle related injuries are one of the
main reasons animals are admitted to the wildlife center. Take a brake for
wildlife.
Do
place injured animals in a cardboard box, and keep in a warm, quiet place
until they can be transported to the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Don’t give the animal any food or water.
Please
don’t
peek in the box, as wildlife view us as predators and could injure you.
|
Do
put caps on chimneys and seal up any entrances to your house before a wild
animal decides to move in.
Do
keep trash in secure containers equipped with sealable lids, or equip regular
trashcans with tie-downs or weights placed on their lids (ie raccoons).
Don’t
pet or play with any wildlife. In most cases, these animals are under a lot
of stress and unnecessary handling could cause premature death. Wildlife also
carry parasites and diseases that can be transferred to humans or domestic
pets. If you find an injured or orphaned wildlife, place in a cardboard box
or pet carrier and keep them in a quiet, dark and warm place. Keep them away
from the smells and sounds of your pets and yourselves until you can contact
PWRC.
Don’t
ever
feed
a wild animal cows' milk, concoctions from the internet, or formulas bought
over the counter.
These formulas do not meet the animals’ nutritional requirements and can
potentially cause malnutrition or even death. Mammals are not able to properly
digest cow’s milk, which therefore leads to bloating and diarrhea.
Don't
attempt to treat a wild animal yourself. If you can do so safely, transport
the animal to PWRC as soon as possible.
Don’t
travel with your pets in the car.
The travel alone is very stressful for the wildlife; your pet in close
quarters will only make it worse. Don’t have any music or talking when
transporting.
Don't
assume that animals left unattended always need your help. Many animals will
leave their young alone for long periods of time.
Don't
trap wildlife during the spring and summer months as they may have babies and
this could potentially cause unnecessary orphans. Call PWRC for advise or
check out Humane Pest Control.
Don’t
trim branches in spring, if you need to please look first to see if a nest is
in the area before trimming. Do trim trees in the fall.
|
Check
for rabbit nests before you mow tall grass. |
Teach
children to respect wildlife - to “look, but don’t touch” and to ask an adult
if they think an animal needs help. |
|
NEVER
keep any wild animal, even a turtle or snake, as a pet. |
Never
give wildlife milk. All wildlife are lactose intolerant. |
|
Know
the law - birds and their nests are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act.
|
Attach opaque decals to the outside of windows and glass doors to
prevent bird (and people!) collisions.
|
|
Cut
six-pack container rings before recycling so animals cannot get their heads or
necks caught. |
Collect all line and lures and dispose of properly when fishing. |
|
Keep
cats indoors during “baby” season, or in a contained area of the yard –
supervise dogs and cats outside if there are fledgling birds, squirrels,
or rabbits near your home. |
Keep
your garbage tightly sealed, so you don’t tempt raccoons and other nighttime
creatures to dine on your leftovers! |
