Springtime gives birth to an abundance of baby wildlife here in Central Oregon, which means Bend wildlife hospital, Think Wild, is entering the busiest time of the year – baby season!
To prepare for an increase in wild patients, Think Wild is hosting their 4th Annual “Wildlife Baby Shower” event on Sunday, May 19th at Oregon Spirit Distillers in Bend from 3-6 pm. This family-friendly fundraiser will feature a silent auction, raffles, live music, games, food, and drinks. Oregon Spirit Distillers will donate $2 from every cocktail purchase to Think Wild.
During the spring and summer, Think Wild provides veterinary services for hundreds of injured and orphaned wildlife, including songbirds, mammals, and birds of prey. The baby shower event is a donation drive and fundraiser to support the cost of treating these animals for release back to the wild. You can find the wish list online and bring needed supplies or donations to the baby shower event. You can also get involved remotely by ordering supplies to be sent directly to the wildlife hospital and by participating in the silent auction online.
As Think Wild prepares for baby season, there are other ways that you can help wildlife, mainly by being informed and aware. As wildlife become more active in the spring, humans are more likely to come across wildlife while out recreating, in local parks, or even in their yards. It’s important to give wildlife space, but also to look out for injured or orphaned wildlife.
If an animal does appear to be injured or orphaned, get in touch with Think Wild! You can call or text their wildlife hotline at (541) 241-8680 between 8 am and 5 pm, 7 days a week. Think Wild’s staff will be able to tell the age, condition, and species of the animal from the photo and help you plan the best course of action.
Here are things to consider when you find an animal:
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Wild animals have unique nutritional, feeding, care, and rehabilitation requirements, and removing or capturing wildlife from the wild and keeping it in captivity without a permit is against the law.
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Do not feed wildlife, especially babies! Improper diet lacks necessary nutrition and can be lethal to the animal.
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If your pet has caught a wild animal, it will need help as soon as possible from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. Bring the pet indoors immediately as a dog or cat will remember where the nest is and may put other animals at risk. Contain the injured animal in a box or crate for transport to Think Wild.
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Sometimes baby birds and mammals fall from their nests. Look and listen for the parents from a distance to see if you can spot a nest or adult of the same species nearby. If so, it may be possible to reunite the baby with the parents.
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Baby wildlife are often left alone while the parent hunts or forages. Do not assume a baby animal is orphaned just because they are alone – wait to see if the parent returns. If a parent doesn’t come back for over a day or you suspect an injury, contact Think Wild.
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Rabbits are very fragile and easily frightened. You can prevent harm to them by checking your yard carefully for rabbit nests before you mow. Baby rabbits found alone in a nest are usually not orphans. Currently rehabilitators in Oregon cannot accept rabbits for care due to Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus-2 in Oregon, a highly pathogenic and contagious calicivirus affecting all rabbits, domestic or wild, and closely related species. It does not infect other animals or people but is often fatal for rabbits.
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If you suspect an animal is injured or orphaned, or have any questions about wildlife, call or text Think Wild’s wildlife hotline: (541) 241-8680
To learn more about Think Wild’s 4th Annual Wildlife Baby Shower, RSVP for the event, purchase supplies, and access the silent auction, please visit the event page on Think Wild’s website: https://www.thinkwildco.org/babyshower/.