Toronto Humane Society Wildlife Advice for the Public

    TORONTO, March 27 /CNW/ - As Spring arrives and turns into the warmer
months of Summer, it is important to remember how to properly address issues
with wildlife that you may encounter.
    Animals do best in their natural habitat. We encourage all members of the
public to not interfere with them.
    The Toronto Humane Society's mandate is to help all animals and that is
the reason we established our Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Many sick,
injured or young animals come to The Toronto Humane Society because they need
our care to survive. But baby animals and birds may not need to come to the
shelter and should not be moved from where you find them.

    Baby Wildlife

    Many people assume that baby wildlife will have the same or better chance
of survival if they are taken to a wildlife centre rather than leaving them
with their mothers in the wild. In fact, the success rate for baby mammals in
a wildlife centre is much lower than in the wild. These young have a much
better chance of survival in the proper care of their mothers and should be
left with them whenever possible.
    If you have found baby wildlife, handle them as little as possible. You
should keep the animal comfortable in an outside location. The ideal situation
is a box lined with blankets and a moderate heat source such as hot water
bottle to provide comfort.
    After a few hours, if the animal is still there, give it a shallow source
of water but do not move or touch it. If after 24 hours the animal is still in
the same location and has not been retrieved by its mother, bring it to the
Society. Most likely its mother will not be returning.

    Baby Birds

    Many people assume that baby birds only leave their nest once they can
fly, and that young birds who are unable to fly have fallen from their nest
and/or been abandoned by their parents. In fact, baby birds usually leave the
nest before they are able to do more than flutter and their flight feathers
are not yet fully grown. During this period, which lasts between 5-10 days,
the baby bird will be stationed on the ground and coached by their parents to
find appropriate cover. Parents do not abandon them but spend their time
flying between them. Although baby birds appear to be very vulnerable at this
stage, it is imperative that they be left where they are. This is a natural
part of their development.

    Visit www.torontohumanesociety.com to download specific information
sheets.

For further information: Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator, Toronto
Humane Society, [phone] ext 2149, [phone]