It is that time again - spring - and many baby animals are again appearing, in the wild, in town and, unfortunately, in people's possession.
I am a wildlife rehabilitator in the area, and already I am getting calls stating someone has "found" a baby animal and either wants to know how to take care of it, or wants me to tell them how to make them well again after they have made them sick.
I realize that these people probably have big hearts and want to do the right thing, but trying to care for these babies without the right knowledge, food and supplies can mean damage and death for these little ones. I try, often in vain, to get them to release that animal to a qualified rehabilitator, which can be found by either calling your local police, DNR or going online to search for a licensed rehabilitator. Many times they refuse, saying they want to care for it and make it into a pet. That is a huge mistake. Going online to get information on how to care for these animals can often result in getting the wrong information and doing much more damage than good. Many times, by the time one of the rehabilitators gets the animal, the damage done by a caring individual the poor little thing is too far gone for it to be saved. So please, do not try to keep and make a pet from a wild animal.
First and foremost, it is illegal for anyone to have these animals in their possession unless they possess a rehabilitation permit from the state of Indiana. You will not be issued a permit from the DNR to keep a wild animal under any circumstances. It is a more complicated procedure to get a license to care for wildlife, which must be released, not just something you apply for. Having this animal in your possession can and will lead to a fine, the animal being confiscated, and should it bite you or someone else, legal problems, health problems and possibly treatment for rabies, which also means death to that animal. Animals can carry disease that can be harmful to you and your family and to family pets. What was a cute baby will turn into a wild, biting animal in a short time. They will begin to bite you to let you know they want to be free.
You will not find a vet to help you as it is not legal for them to help you with an animal not obtained legally. Do not ask your vet to take a chance. And then when you are tired of dealing with that wild animal, and it begins biting and destroying your home, finding a place to take it and humanely try to return it to the wild can be difficult.
Also, please do not say that you want your children to be able to have the experience of caring for a wild baby animal. It is unhealthy for the child as well as the animal and is showing your child it is OK to disregard the law. The sad lesson they will probably learn is how awful it is to watch a baby animal you have tried to save die in front of them.
So please, do the right thing, obey the law, and call for help for any wild animal in need with a call to the police, DNR or go on line to find a rehabilitator in your area to help. You will not have to have the regret you will feel if you cause harm or death for one of the small creatures.
