How to be a good nature-neighbor
Spring has finally returned to North Idaho. The migrant birds have returned and made their nests, the mammals have birthed their young and we humans are out in our gardens.
Here are a few tips of advice relating to our wild native neighbors.
Nests. If you see a bird nest, please do not disturb. Migratory birds (and their nests) are protected by the USFWS. The time required from laying to hatching and then fledging (young leaving the nest) is usually around one month for most species.
The young birds do at times leave the nest before they have full flight control. Do not rush to help unless injury has been sustained from the fall. If you reside in a region with domestic cats – please put the bird into an artificial nest (aka a box) and return to the elevated position of the tree where it fell. Watch for the adults to continue care. If a waterway bird has a ground nest, stay calm. The female duck will lead her young to water as soon as they hatch.
Baby mammals. Small mammals such as squirrels will often relocate their young from the birthing den to a development den. If the mother is disturbed while moving, she will drop the baby and run to safety. Her concern is not just one but several young depending on her. Unless it is a dangerous area, move the young mammal into a box. Unless the animal is injured or cold please allow the mother time to come back for her baby.
Soon the young mammals will have already developed to a point where they are exploring with their mother. They are investigating this big new world. Please be aware of your surroundings and do not be alarmed. Unless the animal is vocalizing, injured, or in a dangerous area let this little wild animal remain wild. Do not intercede.
Deer. Young deer are mistakenly picked up as orphans. One way to recognize if a fawn is in need of help is this little rhyme:
“If my ears are straight I’m just great. If my ears are curled, I’m alone in the world”.
The time to help is if the fawn is vocalizing persistently – the mother may have been killed, the mother may have abandoned the animal due to physiological issues. Do not attempt to care for the animal.
Whom to call. In any instance, if a wild animal has been picked up and needs care, please contact the proper authorities. Most vet clinics are not licensed to care for Idaho’s wild species. Animal shelters and pet stores sell domestic animals. The internet is full of misinformation on ‘how to care’. The best place for a wild animal in distress is with professionals who have equipment, training, and experience not just knowledge. You are gambling with the animal’s life needlessly.
There are a handful of nonprofit centers with dedicated volunteers ready and willing to help. Wildlife rehabilitation can be defined as the act of providing sufficient nutritional, emotional, and physiological support to aid recovery of the wild animal thereby allowing return to its natural habitat.
Bird of Prey Northwest (raptors), Mystic Farms (deer fawns), and American Heritage Wildlife Foundation have years of experience are all community supported without Idaho Fish and Game funding.
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Kathleen St.Clair-McGee is founder and president of the board of directors of the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation – Learn more at Ahwf.org or (208) 266-1488.