Park Manager’s Message
When Is Doing Nothing the Right Choice?
Photo by: Ben Jesup
It’s more often than we are innately comfortable dealing with when it comes to wildlife. It’s natural to want to help and to do something, especially when we think wildlife is "in trouble." We occasionally get to see young animals and birdlife and thrill at new babies growing up. It can be difficult for us to judge if an individual is in need of help or just having an ordinary day on its journey to adulthood.
These are some great tips to assist you in assessing if wildlife needs help or if it’s just okey dokey. You can find information about rescuing wildlife on the Wildlife Rescue League’s website www.wildliferescueleague.org. The tips below are copied from the Wildlife Rescue League Guide Does This Animal Need Help? - Wildlife Rescue Guide and a compilation of other websites in this article:
- Raccoon babies that are furred and uninjured should be left as is, so the mother can retrieve them after dark. If they are still there the next day, then help should be sought.
- If a fox kit becomes separated from its adult parent, the adult will return to get it if it does not have human scent on it, and humans are not close. Leave the kit alone to give the parent a chance to retrieve it undisturbed.
- A doe will leave a fawn unattended all day, joining it only at dawn and dusk. A fawn should be left alone unless there is a dead doe nearby or the fawn is crying, begging or showing other signs of distress or sickness.
- A fledgling is an adolescent bird that stays on the ground for a few days as it learns to feed itself, recognize predators, and builds the strength to fly. You can recognize a fledgling by a short tail on a fully feathered body.
- Turtles will hatch from the egg fully able to survive on their own. Do not disturb them. If you see a turtle in an inappropriate location, such as crossing the street, stop your car (if it is safe to do so), pick up the turtle and move it to the side of the road facing in the direction in which it was headed. Turtles live in our neighborhoods more than we realize. Relocating a turtle threatens its chance for survival. I’ve found an adult box turtle in my yard twice about 20 years apart. It’s probably the same turtle as they live long lives and follow their known routes!
- It is common for young rabbits to be left unattended by their mother during daylight. Leave them be.
Wouldn’t it be so much better for the animal to be moved to Huntley Meadows Park?
No, and here’s why as stated by the Wildlife Center of Virginia: (Managing Wildlife Conflicts and Habitats | Wildlife Center of Virginia)
- It’s Inhumane
While it may seem helpful to take an animal to a “better” place, studies have shown that many relocated animals do quite poorly and don’t survive. Animals depend on knowing where to get important resources in their home habitats, and when they are moved, they have difficulty finding food, water, shelter, and safety. Relocating animals to new environments can also introduce diseases to the animals, or to the current wildlife residents where these animals are relocated. - It’s Illegal
In Virginia and many other states, it’s illegal to trap animals and move them from your property. Licensed trappers who hold a Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit may trap wildlife and release them at the edge of a homeowner’s property, or may humanely euthanize the wild animals. These trappers cannot relocate wildlife. The Humane Society of the United States has additional information for those looking to choose a humane, effective wildlife control company.
Experiencing a Human/Wildlife Conflict?
- Contact Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ toll-free wildlife conflict helpline at 1-855-571-9003, 8:00AM–4:30PM, Monday through Friday
- Managing Wildlife Conflicts and Habitats | Wildlife Center of Virginia
What about Rabies?
If you see a raccoon during the day, it does not automatically mean the animal has rabies. This is true of our County’s other mammals as well. If the animal is displaying behavior such as aggressiveness, chasing or attacking other animals or humans for no reason, or acting tame (like continuing to walk toward you once it acknowledges your presence), then there exists cause for concern. Other signs of a potentially rabid animal include drooling, staggering and stumbling.
- If you suspect wildlife (or a domestic animal) may have rabies, contact Animal Protection Police 703-691-2131.
- If you are scratched or bitten by a suspected rabid animal, the Fairfax County Health Department asks that the incident be reported immediately on this website Rabies and Animal Bites | Health (fairfaxcounty.gov). Good information on what to do if you or your pet are scratched or bitten is available on this website as well.
If you can no longer care for a pet, contact the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Do not release the animal into the wild or a park. Its chance for survival will be very low. Your pet can also introduce pathogens into the environment and can cause conflicts, injury or death to other wildlife. Visit Surrendering Your Pet | Animal Shelter (fairfaxcounty.gov) to find out more and give your pet a quality new home.
As humans, we often feel compelled to help, to do something, and doing nothing seems wrong and cruel. Sometimes leaving wildlife alone or only making minor adjustments is the right thing to do. With guidance from the above wildlife experts and recommendations, you can feel good knowing when it’s ok to leave an animal be.
Karen Sheffield, HMP Manager