HELPING WILDLIFE Responsibly

Many people in America claim they want to help wildlife. But the fact is most people only pay lip service to that high ideal. Others think they are "helping" wildlife but their actions are actually accomplishing the exact opposite of their stated purpose. This page will be filled with proper and rational strategies that will actually result in the helping of wildlife.

#Lost Pigeons

Turtles

#Orphaned Wildlife

#Problems with Relocating Wildlife

#Wildlife Rehabilitation

 

Disclaimer/Warning

Before doing anything with wildlife, you must understand that the interactions between humans and wildlife are regulated by state and federal agencies. You should be aware of the laws in your state. For information on those laws contact your state's Department of Fish and Wildlife a.k.a. Dept. of Natural Resources. Many states only allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to house and care for injured wildlife. Many states also forbid keeping wildlife as pets. I should also warn you that wildlife carry diseases that are harmful to humans. The fact is that 80% of all rabies exposures were initiated by the human. That is the human approached the animal not the other way around.  Always use caution.

Lost Pigeons

Some times you come across a pigeon with a band on his leg. If you can read the number on the band (binoculars should help) you can find out who owns the bird by contacting  The International Pigeon and Dove Institution at 1-800-882-1586 or the American Racing Pigeon Union at (405) 478-2240. They can help you find the owner of the missing bird.  

 

Orphaned Wildlife

If You Care Leave Them There

 

Problems with Relocating Wildlife

It isn't as humane as you might think! relocation.php

 

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Sometimes you find an injured (not orphaned) wild animal. Resist the urge to "take it home and help it". Many states require a license to rehabilitate wildlife. These regulations help protect the animal as well as the public. Animals can be injured with inappropriate care. Sometimes the animal becomes imprinted and thus never is able to be returned to the wild. You should also know that federal laws prohibit the rehabilitation of some animals like (birds of prey) without a license. Even being caught with the feathers of some birds is a federal crime.

• Contact help, such as a veterinarian or state wildlife law enforcement. They may know of a rehabilitator able to help.
• Understand that some states prohibit Rehabilitators from charging fees. They can accept donations but not payment. Thus rehabilitators have few financial resources. If you REALLY CARE GIVE MONEY.  Or become a rehabilitator or volunteer yourself.
• Try to help prevent animals from being injured in the first place. Work to force road builders to place tunnels under the road every mile or so to allow wildlife to pass under roads and avoid cars.
• Keep cats indoors. Felines kill and injure and extraordinarily large number of animals every day. If you care about wildlife keep cats indoors or on a leash.

We welcome suggestions to this page. Please send your suggestions to info@aallanimalcontrol.com* All correspondence becomes property of WDC.

 

 

 

 

7/13/02

Disclaimer: WDC seeks to provide accurate, effective and responsible information on resolving human/wildlife conflicts. We welcome suggestions, criticisms to help us achieve this goal. The information provided is for informational purposes only and users of the information use it at their own risk. The reader must consult state/federal officials to determine the legality of any technique in the reader's locale. Some techniques are dangerous to the user and to others. WDC encourages readers to obtain appropriate training (see our informational literature at our Store ), and understand that proper animal damage control involves patience, understanding that not every technique/method works for every situation or even 100% of the time. Your use of this information is governed by this understanding. We welcome potential users of the information and photos to simply ask for permission via e-mail. Finally, WDC welcomes e-mail but understand that all e-mails become property of Wildlife Damage Control.