All Creatures Small and Smaller

When we come across a baby bird, squirrel, or rabbit, (to name just a few), our first instinct is to rescue it – a very understandable and very human reaction. However, chances are you shouldn’t try to rescue it – at least not immediately. Many animals leave their babies for extended periods of time in order to forage for food, distract predators, or search for den sites. Unless you are certain that it’s abandoned or injured, it is best to leave it alone – at first. Here’s why:

Songbirds – Even after leaving the nest, many young songbirds still rely on the parents to protect and feed them. It is during this time that you may see them hopping or sitting on the ground looking lost and helpless. Please don’t rush to pick them up. They are most likely waiting to be fed. Mom (and/or Dad) will often fly off to look for food or may be close by hoping to distract predators that you haven’t noticed – all of which can take a long time. You need to wait at least 2 hours to make certain that the parents are not coming back. If one of the parents still hasn’t appeared after 2 hours, the little one may have fallen from its nest. Try locating the nest and returning the baby bird – without endangering yourself by climbing too high into a tree. If you can’t find the nest or it is in an inaccessible place, prepare a plastic container by first puncturing holes in all the sides and the bottom and lining it with dry grass. (The holes are important in case it rains. Normal nests have natural drainage because of the way they are constructed.) With the young bird in its new home, place it up as high as possible making sure it is secure. The parents will hear the baby’s voice. This will give the young one the best possible chance for survival if you cannot find and reach the original nest. Human scent does not deter the parents for tending to their young. Of course, for injured birds, contact the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (number below).

Rabbits – Baby rabbits are typically fed twice a day (dusk and dawn) by the mother. Otherwise, she leaves them alone, giving them the best chance to avoid predators. Their nests consist of a small hole in the ground covered with grass and fur. Because the nest is not visible above ground and baby rabbits have no scent, they blend in with the surrounding landscape and are difficult for predators to detect. If you come across a baby rabbit nest, they are, most likely, not abandoned. Just make certain that they are covered up and left alone.

Squirrels – Baby squirrels are often seen on the ground after storms have disrupted their nests. If the baby is very small and has closed eyes, put it in a safe place below a tree, or along a trail used by squirrels and wait for its mother to return and carry it back to the nest. This should occur within a couple of hours. Keep dogs, cats and children away from the area and stay out of sight. If the mother doesn’t return, there is probably a good reason. Call a wildlife rehabilitator for more advice (see list below).

We encourage everyone to copy the phone numbers listed below and put them in your wallets and bags so you will always have them with you. You will never regret it!

Chicago Bird Collision Monitors
(773) 988-1867

Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
(847) 602-0628

Willowbrook Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
(630) 942-6200

Chicago Audubon Society
(773) 539-6793