At this time of year, there are many young animals as gardens, woodlands and lakes burst into life. This can often be a confusing time for people who come across a baby animal. Here at the centre, we receive many calls from worried members of the public asking what they should do in these situations.
In most cases, young animals have not been abandoned. Moving them away from the location where they were found can often do more harm than good. To help make things clearer, we have put together this guide so you know what steps to follow if you find a baby animal during the summer months.
1. Young Birds
In most cases, if you find a young bird on its own, it will be a fledgling. The parents are usually nearby and will still be feeding the bird from the ground. Fledglings can be identified by their size and plumage. They will have grown most or all of their feathers and will usually be steady on their feet, able to walk, run and perch on low branches.
If you are concerned, monitor the bird from a distance for a few hours. In most cases, you will see the parents return to care for the youngster, and there will be no need to intervene.
If a fledgling is in immediate danger, such as near a busy road or in a vulnerable position where predators are present, it is advisable to move the bird a short distance to a safer location.
If, after monitoring, you believe the young bird has been orphaned, is unwell, or you find an unfeathered baby bird, place it in a warm, dark, well-ventilated cardboard box and take it to your nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre.
2. Fawns
Finding a young deer on its own is not unusual. Fawns are often left alone for long periods while their mother forages for food. In some cases, it can take up to twelve hours for the mother to feel safe enough to return.
If you find a fawn while out walking, keep pets well away and do not touch the animal. Touching the fawn may leave an unfamiliar scent, which could cause the mother to abandon it.
Young deer are generally resilient and able to survive in the wild. However, if you find a fawn that is sick, injured or distressed, please contact the RSPCA for advice on 0300 1234 999.
3. Fox Cubs
If you find a fox cub with its eyes open, it is likely that the parents are nearby. It is not unusual to see a four-week-old cub on its own, as this is part of how they learn survival and hunting skills. Although fox cubs may appear vulnerable, they have the best chance of survival when left where they are under the supervision of their parents. Foxes that become too accustomed to humans often struggle to survive in the wild.
If you find a cub on its own and are concerned, you may leave a small amount of dog food and fresh water nearby and check again after twenty-four hours. If the cub is in immediate danger, gently move it to a safer location while keeping handling to a minimum.
Please call 0300 1234 999 if you are concerned about a fox cub, if its eyes are still closed, or it is clearly sick or injured.
4. Hedgehogs
If you find a hedgehog during the daytime, it is often a sign that the animal is unwell. In this case, you should contact the wildlife advice line for guidance.
Juvenile hedgehogs found in late autumn weighing less than five hundred grams will usually need help to survive the winter.
Very young orphaned hedgehogs require specialist care and have the best chance of survival when transferred to an experienced wildlife rehabilitator.
5. More ways to help Wildlife
You can help wildlife during the summer months by:
Leaving a clean supply of fresh water in your garden
Providing additional protein foods such as mealworms and waxworms to support garden birds and their young
Creating small gaps under fences so animals such as hedgehogs can move safely between gardens
Watering plants regularly to support bees and butterflies
For more wildlife advice and information, please visit the national RSPCA website.
visit www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife
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