For many species of birds and mammals, spring signals the time to reproduce and raise young. It is also the time when wildlife rehabilitation centres must cope with an enormous number of orphaned young animals brought to them by well-meaning people who believe these creatures have been abandoned by their parents.

Unfortunately, these young animals are often "rescued" unnecessarily. They are not, in fact, abandoned at all.

It's easy to forget that most wildlife raise their young in a drastically different fashion than we humans. In the majority of cases, 'absent' wildlife parents have not abandoned their charges; nor have they likely suffered any misfortune. The young appear abandoned because their parents are off foraging for food, busy surveying their surroundings, or distancing themselves to avoid attracting predators.

How to detect abandoned animals
So what to do if you come upon a young animal alone in the wild? To determine true abandonment, the best tools are time and patience. In most instances, observation with a keen eye will reveal that intervention is not necessary. For example, if you find a fawn resting quietly, it is likely awaiting the return of its mother who may spend a significant part of the day away from her young.

Young birds do not always need help. The best thing for a helpless and naked bird, called a nestling, is to be put back into the nest. Contrary to the old tale, birds have a very poor sense of smell and will not notice your odour. A feathered bird out of the nest and hopping on the ground may be doing just fine. Many fledglings leave the nest as they learn to fly. Parents are usually nearby, feeding and protecting them. This is a critical time for fledgling birds as they are easy prey for cats. You can help by keeping your cat indoors, especially between May and early August, and asking your neighbours to do the same. If you think a bird is injured, carefully capture the bird in a towel and place it in a box with air holes punched out or call the Ontario SPCA's Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for advice.

Birds may be injured after hitting a window. They may see a reflection of the sky, or may fly into what they see as a good hiding place. Carefully place the bird in a box with air holes punched out and bring to our facility as soon as possible. You can prevent this from happening again. Note the location of the strike on the window, this is a clue to the problem area. Place a silhouette on the glass or hang an object from the eves just outside the window in front of that spot.

Make your observations at a considerable distance from the young bird or animal so as not to discourage parents from returning to their young. Also, be sure to keep dogs, cats, and children at a distance. Even though you may not be intentionally interfering, wildlife parents will not likely return if they perceive a threat in the area.

Tips for handling orphaned animals
• Young animals should always be reared by their wildlife parents whenever possible. If your observations in the wild have determined that the young animal definitely has been abandoned, and that intervention is necessary, there are some general guidelines to follow when transporting the animal to a wildlife rehabilitation centre:

• Prepare them for their journey. For small mammals and birds, carefully wrap them in a soft towel and place them in an appropriately sized box with air holes for ventilation and with paper towels or cloth for padding and warmth.

• Do not give the animal any food or water since improper feeding may cause further harm.

• Minimize stress, avoid unnecessary contact, and transport the animal to a wildlife rehabilitation centre as soon as possible. Keep the box in a warm, quiet and dark place until ready for transport.

• Don't put yourself in danger. For birds of prey such as hawks and owls, and for large mammals, it is best to first consult with a wildlife expert because these animals may be dangerous to handle and may require specialized guidance.

• Do not attempt to care for the animal yourself. Only qualified wildlife rehabilitators can provide the necessary expert care to maximize the likelihood of the animal being successfully released back into the wild. They are trained to recognize and deal with injuries, illnesses, parasites and the special diets specific to wildlife care.

Also: Please see our 'Rehabilitation' section for a list of additional rescue organizations.