Veterinarians Warn Not Every Young Wild Animal Needs Help

PORTLAND, Ore. – Every spring and summer, DoveLewis 24/7 Animal Hospital sees the same pattern. Concerned people arrive with young wildlife they believe has been abandoned or injured. In many cases, the animals are neither.

DoveLewis helps treat wild animals through its donor-funded Wildlife Program year-round, but staff see a seasonal spike in cases that were never truly in distress. Most are fledglings and young animals in a normal stage of learning to survive on their own.

The shift is dramatic. Intake more than doubles from fewer than 60 cases in winter months to over 150 in late spring, with peak months sometimes surpassing 200 wild animals.

“When you see a young animal alone, it’s really easy to assume it needs help,” says Senior Exotics Veterinarian Dr. Kelly Flaminio. “But what often looks like abandonment is actually normal behavior. The parents are usually nearby. They are watching, even if you don’t see them.”

Some birds, for example, leave the nest before they can fully fly. They may spend several days on the ground while they build strength and coordination. During that time, they are still being cared for, even if they appear vulnerable.

DoveLewis works closely with the Bird Alliance of Oregon to support wildlife across the region, but clinicians say the most important help often happens before an animal ever arrives at a clinic.

“We need your help to make sure our wildlife is not being disturbed unless medically necessary. These tips are a small way to support these beautiful animals.” says Dr. Flaminio.

What You Should Do If You Find a Wild Animal

• Call the experts. If you find a wild animal during the day, call the Bird Alliance of Oregon at 503-292-0304 before taking action. They can help you decide whether intervention is needed. If it is evening or a weekend, call DoveLewis at 503-228-7281 for next steps. Current avian influenza precautions and staff capacity may affect intake availability. It is illegal to attempt to rehabilitate a wild animal on your own.
• Limit your contact with the animal.  Wild animals are naturally fearful of humans. If the animal needs to be transported, only handle it as much as necessary to safely contain it. Minimizing contact helps reduce stress and gives the animal the best chance of recovery.
• Only intervene if the animal is clearly in danger. If the animal is obviously injured or ill and can be transported safely, find a towel, blanket, or thick gloves to use while handling the animal. “You want to put as much of a barrier between you and the animal as possible. You still don’t know the personality of this animal or how it will react to you coming towards it," says Dr. Flaminio. Place the animal in any available safe container, ideally a carrier or ventilated box. Make sure the animal is as comfortable as possible and secure in the container. Many animals, especially small ones, are stunned and will fly or scurry away when they become more alert.
• Do not give the animal food or water. It may seem helpful, but feeding a weak or injured wild animal can do more harm than good. Animals in shock or medical distress may be unable to safely process food, and giving water can lead to aspiration, which can be life-threatening. 

For more resources on next steps to take if you come across a wild animal, visit dovelewis.org or the Bird Alliance of Oregon website.

###