In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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April 2, 2008

Spring means flowers...and baby raccoons

Spring means daffodils and lilacs, trees leafing out, lambs and wildlife babies. Chances are you might stumble upon a baby rabbit or squirrel or even a baby bird that might have fallen out of its nest.

What do you do?

In a recent press release, Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife for the Humane Society of the United States offers these tips:

Baby squirrels: If they fall out of a tree you’re cutting down, stop cutting, and leave the baby for the mother to retrieve. If the other doesn’t come back for her baby by nightfall, call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Fawns: It’s normal for does to leave their fawns alone for long periods, Simon says. Fawns have no scent, so don’t attract predators like the mother deer. If the fawn is wandering around and bleating, or if you find the mother dead, call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Baby rabbits: Like deer, Simon says, they’re often left alone during the day. Only call a wildlife rehabilitator if the animal is injured or ill.

Baby raccoons: Simon says raccoon cubs are rarely left alone, so if you find baby raccoons alone for more than a few hours, something may have happened to the mother. Call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Baby birds: “It is a myth that if a baby bird is touched by humans, the parents will reject it. The reality is that birds have strong maternal instincts and the best thing to do if you find a fallen chick is to put it gently back in its nest,” Simon says in the press release. Fledgling birds, those learning to fly, often have parents nearby watching over them.

In Sacramento County, call the Sacramento Wildlife Care Association at (916) 965-9453 (WILD). If you live in a different area, they can direct you to the proper contact person.

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