Striegel Animal Hospital
Over 50 Years of Quality Medicine
Medical Watch
Natural Protection
The following information is provided as a public service only, and
is NOT intended to replace the advice or recommendations of your pet’s
veterinarian.
In southern Illinois spring, summer and fall colors and scents can
easily drive us from our air-conditioned homes and into the splendor of
Nature’s beauty. Regardless of the heat and high humidity, we enter the
forests and wetlands (some even enter their back yards!) to reacquaint
ourselves with the beautiful scenery. All around we see plant and
animal life at all ages of maturity.
As we observe the wildlife specifically, individuals sometime try to put
human characteristics to those non-human populations. This is very wrong
and something we at Striegel Animal Hospital would like to address here.
On occasion when traveling through areas infrequently traversed, we
often come across immature wildlife that seems to be abandoned. In most
instances the animals, such as rabbits and other non-predatory species,
may have their eyes shut, the litter may be grouped in a heap or, if
single, the animal may be within an obvious nest-like surrounding. We
can assure you that most likely these animals are not abandoned!
In instances such as rabbits and other rodent populations, the mother
stays AWAY from the litter in order to provide the best protection for
her offspring. She has no way to fight predators, so she will stay away
from the litter in order to not give those predators the location of her
defenseless babies. Normally, the mothers of these types of animals
return to feed the babies on a regular basis.
If you come into contact with a baby, the best way to
help them is not to touch them. If, however, touching occurs, don’t
worry about your scent driving the mother away! This is not the case.
The mother will return when you leave the area.
Many times people think that they must take responsibility for the care
and feeding of what they assume is abandoned offspring. Raising immature
wildlife is a very complicated process that usually ends in the death of
the animal. The best procedure, when coming upon what appears to be
abandoned babies, is to
leave them alone. There is an excellent possibility that mother is
watching you and will return to her youngsters when you leave.
If you have already taken "abandoned" wildlife home with
you, the animals will have the best chance of survival if they are
turned over to experienced and licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
For names of local rehabilitators, please call our hospital.
For an appointment at Striegel Animal Hospital, please call (618)
457-4133.