WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE ORPHANED AND INJURED WILDLIFE

If you discover orphaned or injured wildlife, the following information will help you decide how to best assist the animal(s) in need. A list of wildlife rehabilitators can be found at the end of this message.

BABY BIRDS: Many baby birds are mistaken for orphans during a short "fledgling" period where they have left the nest, but still rely on mom and dad for food. Fledgling birds are often found on the ground and assumed to be injured or abandoned. This is not usually the case! Do not move these little birds unless they are in immediate danger of being hit by a lawnmower, stepped on, etc. It is OK to move a fledgling a short distance to a safer place if absolutely necessary. The parents will find it. It is a myth that birds will reject babies touched by humans. Keep a close eye on any baby you think has been abandoned. If the parents do not return to feed it within an hour or so, call a wildlife rehabilitator (WR). Never attempt to give a baby bird water!

INJURED BIRDS: Place the bird in a box and put it in a quiet place until you can contact a WR. Birds that have flown into a window may just be stunned and can probably be released after a little bit of rest. Birds that have been poisoned or have other obvious injuries should be taken to a WR immediately. Remember, outside cats are a leading cause of death to songbirds in this country. Please do not allow you cat to roam outside! Even well fed cats will hunt birds if given the chance.

BABY RABBITS: Baby rabbits live in "nests" that are sometimes accidentally uncovered by people. If you uncover a nest, the best thing to do is to gently herd the babies back to the nest and leave them alone. Baby rabbits are easily stressed and extremely difficult to keep alive once they are out of their mother’s care. Please do not handle them unless absolutely necessary. They are extremely cute, but will probably not survive if you try to raise them on your own.

OTHER INJURED/BABY ANIMALS: Many wild animals are cute, especially babies, and it might be tempting to try and care for one on your own. This is not a good idea! Wild animals can carry parasites and diseases that may be transmissible to you or your companion animals. In addition, wildlife rehabilitators have the facilities and knowledge to address the very specific needs of various wildlife species.

WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS:

Albuquerque:
Evelyn Candelaria (Migratory birds) – 842-8615
Hawkwatch International (raptors) – 255-7622
Prairie Dog Pals (prairie dogs) – 275-7189
Talking Talons (All wildlife except endangered species and eagles) – 281-1133
Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico (All wildlife except eagles) – 334-2500

Animas:
Sandilee Burgess (All wildlife except migratory birds) – 548-2815

Anthony:
Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue (All migratory birds) – 882-2910

Carlsbad:
Ann Rayroux (Migratory birds except endangered species and eagles) – 887-3957

Corrales:
Shirley Kendall (Migratory birds, endangered species, and eagles) – 898-9626

Dona Ana:
Kate Batsell (Birds) – 382-8127

Edgewood:
Shaylee Roth (Reptiles/Amphibians and raptors; no juvenile endangered species)
– 286-7763

El Paso, TX:
Marcia Fulton (Migratory birds) – (915) 821-9374

El Rito:
Gloria McFarland (Migratory birds including raptors and endangered species) – 581-4568

Espanola:
The Wildlife Center, Inc. (All wildlife) – 753-9505

Farmington:
Curtis Martin (Raptors) – 326-0360

Gallup:
Clinton Balok (All wildlife except migratory birds) – 722-7786

Las Cruces:
Pilar Hinde (Migratory songbirds only) – 382-1753
Las Cruces Reptile Rescue – 373-1486
Wild Bird Rehabilitation (All birds) – 522-4966

Lordsburg:
John & Paulette McDonald (All wildlife except endangered birds and eagles) – 542-8363

Los Alamos:
Fur and Feathers Rescue and Rehab (Mammals) – 662-6806

Ramah:
Candy Kitchen Wolf Hybrid Rescue Ranch – 775-3304

Magdalena:
Gay Kozusko (Mammals, birds) – 854-2187

Roswell:
Ron Posuniak (Migratory birds including raptors) – 623-4277

Silver City:
Gila Wildlife Rescue (All Wildlife) – 538-6640

Vanderwagen:
Diane Waters (Raptors) – 778-5910

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