Baby Mammals

As with baby birds, baby mammals often appear to be orphaned when in fact they are not. Many species of mammals will leave their babies safely hidden while they are out foraging for food nearby. As with baby birds, the first thing to do when you suspect a baby mammal is orphaned is to patiently and unobtrusively observe it in an effort to determine if it truly needs help.

If the baby has its eyes open, is fully furred, and is walking around, then it probably has just become temporarily separated from its mother while she is out looking for food. Sometimes the mother may have been chased away by some threat, but she will come back, retrieve her baby and carry it to safety.

If the baby is not completely furred or is too young to walk with good balance, put it in an open box with soft, non-stringy bedding that has been warmed in a dryer.
Place the box at the base of a tree in the vicinity of where it was found.
Keep cats, dogs, and children out of the area, and watch from a distance for several hours before intervening.

Sometimes the mother won't come looking for her baby until her milk glands feel full or until it is dark. For diurnal (active during the day) species such as squirrels, you may have to bring the baby inside for the night and try again the next day. For nocturnal (active at night) species, the opposite may be true, and you will have to bring the baby inside during the day. If you do have to keep the baby inside, please read the information about providing temporary housing. Your local wildlife rehabilitator can recommend the best approach.

Remember that the parents will not reject their babies just because you have touched them. They may, however, abandon the babies if you remain too close or keep them away too long. So whatever you do, do it quickly.

If the baby is obviously injured, is cold to the touch, or is lethargic, then it probably needs a wildlife rehabilitator. If this is the case, place the baby in a cardboard box with a hot water bottle wrapped in a soft towel. Place the box in a quiet, dark place away from children and pets and call a wildlife rehabilitator. Do not hold the baby or attempt to feed it. Baby mammals have very specific dietary needs and often are very difficult to feed. You can do more harm than good by trying to feed it. Warmth and quiet are much more important.