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Wild animals are a constant presence across Northern Virginia, but residents may cause more harm than good when they rush to intervene.
Carolyn Wilder of the Wildlife Rescue League told attendees at a Jan. 11 green breakfast talk that squirrels, foxes, raccoons, turtles, snakes, deer, bats and birds have become remarkably adept at sharing space with people. The virtual event was sponsored by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.
“Many wild animals have learned to live with us better than we’ve learned to live with them,” Wilder said.
Her central advice was to proceed cautiously when encountering an animal that appears injured, orphaned or troublesome. Residents should avoid feeding wildlife, leave no pet food outside overnight and secure garbage cans. Otherwise, animals can become accustomed to people and lose the wariness that helps keep both species safe.
Anyone who finds potentially injured or orphaned wildlife should first contact the Wildlife Rescue League helpline at 703-440-0800 or Virginia’s wildlife helpline at 855-571-9003.
What to Do Before Help Arrives
Handling wildlife can often do more harm than good. If moving an animal is necessary, Wilder advised wearing gloves or using a towel because it may carry fleas or mites and could bite.
The animal should be placed in a secure box with a gentle heat source underneath, such as a sock filled with rice and warmed in a microwave. Keep the box in a dark, quiet location while contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and following that person’s instructions.
An injured animal may be held temporarily only as long as necessary to deliver it to a veterinarian or rehabilitator. During that time, keep it warm, dry and quiet. Do not provide food or water unless a rehabilitator specifically directs you to do so.
State and federal laws generally require permits to possess, sell, trap or keep wildlife. Destroying a nest or den containing eggs or young animals is also illegal.
Young Animals May Not Be Abandoned
A baby animal found alone does not necessarily need rescuing. Mammal mothers have a strong sense of smell and usually return for their young.
If a baby squirrel is discovered beneath a tree, Wilder recommended placing it in a box under that tree without feeding it. Its calls may guide the mother back to retrieve it.
Cottontail rabbits require similar patience. Their shallow nests are built on the ground and concealed with grass. Mothers generally visit only around dawn and dusk to feed their young, covering the nest and leaving afterward.
Residents who discover a rabbit nest can arrange twigs over it and check later. Moved twigs indicate that the mother probably returned. People should also inspect lawns for nests before mowing.
If a dog picks up a baby rabbit, the animal should be returned to its nest when possible. Because it may have puncture wounds, however, a rehabilitator should be contacted.
Gray squirrels can frustrate homeowners, but Wilder said there is no reliable way to eliminate them because they readily adapt to changing conditions.
Recognizing Possible Rabies
Raccoons, foxes, groundhogs, skunks, bats and beavers are among the mammals that can transmit rabies through saliva. Opossums are not considered a rabies-vector species.
Possible warning signs include lethargy, stupor, tight circling, aimless wandering, unexplained aggression, discharge from the eyes or nose, biting and convulsions. Anyone who suspects rabies should avoid the animal and call local animal-control authorities, who can arrange testing. In Fairfax County, Animal Protection Police can be reached at 703-691-2131.
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and licensed to care for injured, sick and orphaned animals before releasing them into their natural habitats. The Wildlife Rescue League, incorporated in 1984, is an all-volunteer organization with 140 volunteers and 30 home-based rehabilitators rather than a central facility.
Wilder said the challenge is recognizing the difference between wildlife that genuinely needs assistance and animals that are already capable of taking care of themselves.