As a rehabber who has done wildlife rescue for over 25 years, whenever possible, BEFORE intervening/making a decision do CALL the rehabber. Personally, I would rather do an over the phone assessment (sending pics by text or email is really helpful!) or come in person to assess, rather than "letting nature take it's course".
More often than not, "nature" has nothing to do with sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Truthfully, if not intentionally harmed by a human; a human is inadvertently responsible (hit by car, cat/dog attack, pesticides...) so we are not messing with nature but trying to repair the harm humans cause.
Please, do not feel you are burdening us, this is our passion, our raison d'etre, our mission. But do please follow our advice, and by all means, if it does not make sense, ask for an explanation. Most of us are very well versed in our
local species, their habits and habitats - we have learned what works best, specifically, in our area. We are also, often your greatest resource with wildlife conflict, as our knowledge is very species and location specific.
Do know that regardless of your skill or intent, MOST places it is ILLEGAL to be in possession of
native wildlife, can make you subject to great fines, and will invalidate your home insurance. Contacting a licensed wildlife rehabber will protect you, as you are simply holding or transporting per their instructions, so you, temporarily, become their agent.
Yes, there is a lot of death in wildlife rehab, and if it means we can end an animals suffering, humanely and swiftly, we are still doing a service for those whose lives we end. Better a clean, swift, death, when healing is out of the question, than a slow, painful, lingering one left up to nature.
Most us us will be grateful for any support you can offer, and it need not be cash. Food, such as fruits, berries, veggies, meat, grains,
hay, straw etc. Are just a few products rehabbers need. Skilled persons (
gardening, pruning, building, welding...) who can offer their time are more than valuable.
Many would love a
Permie acreage as a release site! So do, take the time now to locate these individuals within your community, find out their hours/days of operation, and what types of critters they work with.
Oh, do grab one of those ugly pillow cases (any breathable sack would do) from the back of the
linen cupboard, write your emergency rehab contact info on it and keep it rolled up (secured with sturdy rubber bands or twine) and stuffed into the glove box of all your vehicles. On and off road. They make fabulous emergency containment vessels for most birds and small mammals.
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