Helping Wildlife - General Information

The following activities are illegal and punisheable. The laws were created to protect animals from humans who often, even with the best intentions, cause suffering due to lack of information (as well as intentional harm by some). It is illegal to:

The Lacey Act (federal) restricts the interstate transport of birds and other animals if they were illegally taken.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other federal laws protect native and migratory birds, their eggs, and breeding grounds. Although these laws are complex, we interpret them simply to mean that birds and their eggs must not be disturbed unless the birds are orphaned or injured. The only birds that are not protected by Federal law, because they are considered introduced species, are:

Giving a dehydrated, emaciated, or injured animal food or water can actually kill it. Please resist the temptation to give it food or water until a rehabilitator can do an assessment of the animal’s condition. It should be delivered to a rehabilitator or veterinarian as quickly as possible. Putting the animal in a covered box in a warm, dark, quiet place will reduce its stress level and need for food.

Generally animals are released by the rehabilitator or from established release sites, where they can get a "soft" release with food, water, and housing provided as long as they need them. Occasionally, with some species that mate for life (Canada geese, cardinals) we will attempt to return them to their original home, if possible, so they can rejoin their mates; likewise for social or territorial birds/animals it is important to return them to their home territory if possible. It is illegal for a rehabilitator to turn wildlife over to an unlicensed individual.

Rabies is a disease of the central nervous system. It is a zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to humans) viral disease. The virus can be found in domestic animals (including cows) and wild animals. Once symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is invariably fatal to animals and humans and there is no rabies cure. However, prompt post-exposure shots are effective in stopping the development of the disease.

If there is the slightest question of a human rabies exposure, wash the exposed area thoroughly with antibacterial soap or detergent and water, or even just flush with water. You should then contact your Public Health Officer for professional advice. Although you may also contact your doctor, many doctors are not particularly familiar with rabies.

Remember that even if rabies is not likely, tetanus is always a possibility from a bite; you should make sure that your tetanus shot is current. There is also the possibility of bacterial infection from an animal bite.

If your pet has been bitten or attacked, has fought with or is exposed to a wild animal:

Technically, any warm blooded animal (including humans) can get and transmit rabies. There have been no naturally-occurring incidences (only laboratory-induced) of rabies in birds, and very few in lagomorphs (cottontails) and rodents (squirrels, mice, voles, moles, rats). The risk factor is very small in these animals. Reptiles and amphibians are cold-blooded and can not carry rabies.

There are mammals, called "rabies vector species" (RVS) or "high risk species" which have a somewhat higher risk for rabies. The RVSs are: raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, and groundhogs (woodchucks). In 1998 Virginia also added opossums to this list, although the incidence has been very small, primarily because up until that time it was thought it was virtually impossible for opossums to get rabies because of their low body temperature. There have also been several cases of rabies in beavers.

If you are bitten by a high risk mammal, the animal, if captured, must be turned over to local animal control and tested for rabies. The only way to test for rabies is to euthanize the animal, cutting the head off and examining the brain tissue. You need to consult a physician if bit by a mammal, and a veterinarian if their dog or cat has been bitten.

How can I tell normal behavior in a rabies vector species from possible rabies?

When nocturnal animals (raccoons, skunks, opossums, or foxes) are seen in the daylight, many people believe that this is a sign of rabies. However, in spring and early summer it is not unusual to see nocturnal animals during the day because mothers and juveniles who are searching for food will hunt whenever they have to. They may even compete with household pets for food if it is left outside. If a caller is describing aggressive behavior toward a pet in the yard, clarify whether they are actually fighting or instead competing for food. If the food is brought inside but the animal continues to hang around and acts aggressive, there is cause for concern. (Of course, if actually contact or fighting took place, this is definitely a potential rabies exposure.)

Also, in times of drought, animals may seem unusually friendly or come close to homes because they are searching for food and water sources.

Certain other habits, such as nesting in a chimney or attic, are also normal behavior, particularly in baby season or extremes of weather. Nesting behavior is not a sign of rabies.

Mange, particularly in foxes, may cause abnormal behavior as the animal is literally itching to death; it is so miserable that it may be frenzied and scratching, and may be starving as a result. This behavior is often confused with rabies symptoms. One sign of mange is a very patchy-looking coat.

"Sick" behavior may take any number of forms, including lethargy, stupor, falling over, walking around in circles, aimless wandering, unexplained aggression toward pets or humans, eye or nose discharge, and partial or complete rear paralysis (often mistaken for an injured leg or hindquarters). Some of these symptoms occur with distemper also; distemper is also always fatal to the animal.

If the animal is obviously injured, rather than sick, do not to handle the animal. Animals can have rabies for months without showing any symptoms.

Remember that most animal control officers are not looking to capture and euthanize wildlife. If they approach an animal that runs away from them they consider that fairly normal behavior and they will let it go (unless an exposure has occurred); if the animal stays put, approaches, or is aggressive, they do not consider that normal behavior. Even if the animal has distemper rather than rabies, there is no cure once symptoms develop, and euthanasia is the most humane action.

Animals that are under stress, feel threatened or are cornered, will bite as their primary means of defense. Get professional advice or assistance (rehabilitator or animal control) before attempting to capture any adult mammal. When necessary, a shovel, box, trashcan, or net can be used to contain the animal, or it can be lured into the garage and contained.

The following information is taken directly from the Centers for Disease Control rabies information web page:

Human Rabies

How do people get rabies?

People usually get exposed to rabies through the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

Can I get rabies in any way other than an animal bite?

Although occasional reports of transmission by non-bite exposure suggest that such exposures constitute sufficient reason to initiate post-exposure prophylaxis (rabies shots) under some circumstances, non-bite exposures rarely cause rabies. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures.

Other contact, such as petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine or feces (e.g., guano) of a rabid animal, does not constitute an exposure and is not an indication for prophylaxis.

How soon after an exposure should I seek medical attention?

Medical assistance should be obtained as soon as possible after an exposure. There have been no vaccine failures in the United States (i.e., someone developed rabies) when post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was given promptly and appropriately after an exposure.

Wild Animals
What animals get rabies?

Any mammal can get rabies. The most common wild reservoirs of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats, cattle, and dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animals in the United States.

What is the risk of rabies from squirrels, mice, rats, and other rodents?

Small rodents (such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and chipmunks), and lagomorphs (such as rabbits and hares) are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to cause rabies among humans in the United States. Bites by these animals are usually not considered a risk of rabies unless the animal was sick or behaving in an unusual manner and rabies is widespread in your area. However, from 1985 through 1994, woodchucks accounted for 86% of the 368 cases of rabies among rodents reported to CDC. Woodchucks or groundhogs (Marmota monax) are the only rodents that may be frequently submitted to a state health department because of a suspicion of rabies. In all cases involving rodents, the state or local health department should be consulted before a decision is made

to initiate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Bats and Rabies

Do bats get rabies?

Yes. Bats are mammals and are susceptible to rabies, but most do not have the disease. You cannot tell if a bat has rabies just by looking at it; rabies can be confirmed only by having the animal tested in a laboratory. To minimize the risk for rabies, it is best never to handle any bat.

What should I do if I come in contact with a bat?

If you are bitten by a bat -- or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound -- wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately. Whenever possible, the bat should be captured and sent to a laboratory for rabies testing.

People usually know when they have been bitten by a bat. However, because bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, there are situations in which you should seek medical advice even in the absence of an obvious bite wound. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your room, see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or see a bat near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.

People cannot get rabies just from seeing a bat in an attic, in a cave, or at a distance. In addition, people cannot get rabies from having contact with bat guano (feces), blood, or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur (even though bats should never be handled!).

What should I do if I find a bat in my home?

If you see a bat in your home and you are sure no human or pet exposure has occurred, confine the bat to a room by closing all doors and windows leading out of the room except those to the outside. The bat will probably leave soon. If not, it can be caught, as described below, and released outdoors away from people and pets.

However, if there is any question of exposure, leave the bat alone and call animal control or a wildlife conservation agency for assistance. If professional assistance is unavailable, use precautions to capture the bat safely, as described below.

What you will need: leather work gloves (put them on); small box or coffee can; piece of cardboard; tape.

When the bat lands, approach it slowly and place a box or coffee can over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside. Tape the cardboard to the container securely. Contact your health department or animal control authority to make arrangements for rabies testing.

How can I tell if a bat has rabies?

Rabies can be confirmed only in a laboratory. However, any bat that is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen (for example in rooms in your home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly, is far more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often the most easily approached. Therefore, it is best never to handle any bat.

General rule: If you can approach the animal as though to make contact, and the animal does not run away, then something is wrong. (Very young birds and mammals cannot run away and those situations need to be carefully assessed.)

*If flies are seen around animals, check animals for fly (maggot) eggs. The eggs are pale yellow and are laid in clumps on the flesh or in the feathers. They look like rice or grain. If there are fly eggs, refer to a rehabilitator.

** Cats can cause invisible puncture wounds. Must be treated within 24 hours with antibiotics. Death rate of cat-caught birds still over 90%.

Except when dealing with adult mammals or very large birds, you should contain the animal, and transport it to a licensed rehabilitator in your area. Both mammals and birds can carry zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans) so it is wise to take precautions. Zoonotic diseases are not easily transmitted as long as common sense is used (like wearing gloves and long sleeves or handling the animal with a towel).

A Word About Animal Control
No two animal control jurisdictions do the same thing; differences are primarily because of funding. Most (but not all) will pick up injured wildlife if it is contained, but please refer to animal control for pickup as a last resort because it can cause a delay getting the animal to a rehabilitator, and sometimes in addition the rehabilitator will have to find another driver to pick the animal up at the shelter. Some will rescue animals that are not contained. Some have no wildlife programs at all, and will not respond to wildlife calls unless there is a threat to public safety.

All baby animals should be handled with at least thin latex gloves or garden gloves and adults with heavy duty gloves because of the possibility of parasites or diseases being transmitted. Although birds have no sense of smell, mammals have a keen sense of smell and it is wise to avoid human scent if renesting is being attempted. Hands should always be washed after handling animals.

All animals, except young babies, will perceive the human rescuer as a predator and will suffer considerable stress during the rescue process. Small birds and mammals may be handled by throwing a light towel (hand or dishtowel) over them. If the bird is stressed by your approach, the towel can be held in front of you as a cover until it is thrown over the animal.. Once the animal is in the dark and remains there, it will become much calmer.

Adult and juvenile mammals will bite if cornered. Care must be taken when capturing them. A bite from a frightened mammal may mean a death sentence for it as it may need to be tested for rabies.

To capture larger animals and birds, use a large, heavy towel such as a beach towel folded double or triple, or a padded jacket. Animals will not be able to bite through the towel, and generally will be calmed when placed in a dark environment. In many circumstances, dampening the towel first adds weight and makes it even more secure when placed over the animal.

If a baby is without feathers/fur, or is cold, provide it with immediate warmth by wrapping it loosely in some soft material (without strings) and placing it beside your throat near the collarbone until it is warmer. Then it can be placed in a warm place (see containment instructions) until it can be taken to a rehabilitator.

First, locate your nearest licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and contact them to describe your situations. Most rehabilitators (especially during spring and summer baby seasons) have their hands full doing animal care, and will appreciate your assistance in getting the animal to them if needed.

If you cannot transport the animal yourself you may ask for help from a neighbor or friend. Delays of more than 2 or 3 hours are not advisable.

Dead wildlife is the responsibility of the property owner to dispose of (even deer). If the animal is a traffic hazard, the appropriate jurisdiction (City, County, Park Authority, or VDOT for State roads) should be called. Dead wildlife is supposed to be put in a plastic bag and taken to the animal shelter for disposal. It may also be buried at least 6 inches deep, out of public view, and away from trails, streets, ponds and streams. It should be handled carefully with gloves (discarded afterward) or a shovel. If you are concerned that the animal might have been rabid, please call your local animal control.

You should take special care in handling a dead snake. A snake’s body is capable of "biting" through reflex action up to several hours after death. If the snake is venomous, it can also inject venom after death.

How do you know if an animal is dead? Obvious signs are rigor mortis (stiffening) and an eyes open stare. If the animal is still warm, the caller can check for signs of respiration. Possums can feign death when frightened and slow down their respiration. If there is any doubt, or a possibility the animal is just stunned, it should be placed in a covered box in a quiet place for 2 to 3 hours.

If you are concerned about animal abuse you should contact the local animal shelter or Humane Society. Cases involving federally protected birds should also be reported to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Legal Information:
About trapping or killing wildlife	Keeping wild animals as pets
Caring for wild animals without a licence	Disturbing nests and eggs

Rescue
Does It really need to be rescued?	Capture and Handling	Containment
Transporting	Getting care for the animal	What can I feed it?
Can I release the animal later on?	Rabies

Words and phrases that indicate the animal needs rescuing:	To rehabilitator right away!
Flies, worms, mites, or maggot infestation *
Caught by a cat**
Visible external unhealed injuries
Parent known dead or separated and cannot be reunited
Renesting/ reuniting was attempted and was unsuccessful
Severe trauma (collision with car, long fall)
Very cold
Very thin and/or very weak
Caught by a dog	To rehabilitator unless carried gently in mouth only. For cottontails, see cottontail section.
Bird struck window	Keep for two hours in warm dark quiet place unless visible injury; attempt release. To rehabilitator if not successful.
"Begging" or following behavior toward humans/ domestic animals	To rehabilitator unless this is "habituation" or nest protection