10 Wildlife Do’s and Don’ts
- Leave all wildlife alone – learn by observation.
- Don’t handle any sick or injured wild animals (skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, etc.). These animals could be carrying rabies or other diseases harmful to humans.
- Do move fledging birds out of the way. Do it quickly and leave. Their parents will do the rest.
- Don’t feed young or injured animals (birds or mammals) unless you’re sure of the right food. Call for assistance to Dauphin County Wildlife Rescue at 717-566-2613.
- Do call the proper authorities. Get adult supervision and aid before touching or moving any sick or injured animal.
- Don’t try to keep wild animals as pets.
- Do supervise your domestic pets. Cats and dogs kill many baby animals.
- Don’t let your pets run wild.
- Do preserve and expand habitat for wildlife. You can start in your own backyard.
- Don’t leave your trash or litter laying around. Plastics and styrofoam don’t biodegrade, and discarded fishing line is a killer.
About Wildlife Rehabilitators: Please remember that rehabilitators do not receive government funding but operate on a donation basis. If your heart moves you to bring injured or orphaned animals and birds to any of these organizations, please make a hearty financial donation and perhaps even some of your time.
10 Ways to Help Children Help and be Safe Around Wildlife
- Do not disturb wild animals. Wildlife is fun to watch, but should be left alone.
- Never touch wild animals. Remember, they are wild and can bite or scratch.
- Do not try to help wildlife that is injured. Tell an adult.
- Do not touch or try to pick up any wild animals that have died.
- Do not touch or pick up a young animal. Their parents are watching nearby.
- If a wild animal appears sick or hurts you, tell an adult.
- Never feed wild animals, except songbirds at bird feeders and only during the fall and winter.
- Provide water for wildlife by putting up a birdbath. Keep it full of fresh, clean water.
- Watch wildlife that lives near your home. Learn the names of birds and animals. Make a list or draw animals that you see.
- Ask an adult to help make a wildlife nesting box or create a wildlife habitat.
From Dauphin County Wildlife Rescue