Wildlife rescuer urges caution when dealing with injured animals

TEXARKANA — Encountering wildlife outside of their nest or habitat happens, and there are some things to keep in mind when it does.

“It is always preferable to talk with a licensed rehabber first and get advice on what the next best step should be,” said Christie Chapman, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation of Louisiana. “They can find a list of local rehabbers by looking on their state’s wildlife and fisheries website and searching for wildlife rehabilitators.”

WERLA is a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates and releases wildlife back into nature. The organization works closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to care for hundreds of animals in Louisiana.

According to the WERLA website, the organization works to educate the public on best practices for conservation and preservation of wildlife and their habitats.

Chapman said the following tips can be used as a general guideline when encountering sick, injured or orphaned animals:

• It is very stressful for wildlife to be in captivity, so if it is not an emergency situation, the first step is always to observe and try to figure out if human intervention is necessary

• Many baby animals can appear to be an abandoned but are not. Speaking with a licensed rehabber or researching a specie’s behavior may give insight before taking wildlife from their natural habitat.

• Baby animals always have a better chance with their parents than with humans.

• If wildlife must be moved from an emergency situation, such as a roadway, make sure that you attempt to move them at a distance by using a broom or shovel. Even if an animal looks incapacitated, if they have teeth or a beak, they can bite. If they have claws or talons, they can grab and scratch.

• Keep in mind safety in regards to illnesses. Make sure to always wear gloves or have a barrier between you and the animal, even babies.

• Have patience with the local rehabber, especially during the summer.

Animals frequently picked up include baby birds, fawns and squirrels. While many people are well intended, it is not always the appropriate step to intervene, according Texas Parks and Wildlife.

“It is important to realize that many such human-animal encounters are unnecessary and can even be detrimental to the wildlife concerned,” TPWD said.

(For more information, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department information line at 1-800-7921112.)