It’s that time of year again! What is the right thing to do if you find what you “think” is a
wild critter in need? People find wildlife in need everywhere, in their backyards, while
visiting parks, and along the roadside. When this happens, do you know the right thing to
do? The right person to call?

Every year Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. admits over 600 orphaned or injured
native species of wildlife into care.

“We hope to educate the general public about wildlife and how to determine if these
animals really need your help,” says Valery Smith, Director of Mississippi Wildlife
Rehabilitation, Inc… “We also try to help the home or land-owner understand natural
behavior in wild populations, to lessen conflicts between man and animal.”

“Right now we’re getting geared up for fawn season” says Smith. “Every year the
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks receive hundreds of calls
regarding fawns. MWR admits between 15 and 25 fawns during the summer. Most of
these “rescues” are unnecessary.

Mother deer (Doe) will hide her fawns in tall grass or wooded areas while she forages for
food. Baby wild animals do not have any “scent”. This protects them from predators and
they are very well camouflaged, blending in with their natural surroundings. Up to 2
weeks of age, the fawn will not have any “flight response” and will stay where mother
puts him. Eyesight being poor, if the baby is nudged, it will get up and follow whatever
is close by. If you happen up on a fawn curled up in the woods or meadow, leave it
alone. Do not approach it or touch it. Mother is nearby. The mother will watch as you
kidnap her baby and will hunt for it for several weeks.

If the baby is lying prone, bleeding and has green flies on it, and obviously hurt, it needs your
help. A fawn lying on its side, or wandering and crying incessantly, may be orphaned.
Otherwise LEAVE IT ALONE!” Remember, a fawn found alone and quiet is OK!”

Wildlife laws are made not only to protect wildlife, but to also protect the general public.
It is illegal in most states to keep wild animals if you don’t have permits, even if you plan
to release them. It is illegal to have them in your possession.
Wildlife do not make good “pets” says Smith!

Songbirds and birds of prey are protected by Federal law and have fines of up to $25,000
and prison time. Even the nests and feathers of songbirds and raptors are protected.
With all wildlife babies you should leave the baby alone unless you know for sure the
mother is dead.

A young animal’s best chance for survival is to be raised by its natural mother.
ONLY after all efforts to reunite the baby with its mother have been exhausted
should a possible orphan be removed from the wild! DO NOT try to raise the baby
yourself!

If you are in doubt a wild animal is in trouble, you can call your local wildlife officer or
Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. at 662-429-5105 for advice, or go to
www.mdwfp.com or www.mswildliferehab.org