10 Wildlife Do’s and Don’ts

  1. Leave all wildlife alone – learn by observation.
  2. 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.
  3. Do move fledging birds out of the way. Do it quickly and leave. Their parents will do the rest.
  4. 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.
  5. Do call the proper authorities. Get adult supervision and aid before touching or moving any sick or injured animal.
  6. Don’t try to keep wild animals as pets.
  7. Do supervise your domestic pets. Cats and dogs kill many baby animals.
  8. Don’t let your pets run wild.
  9. Do preserve and expand habitat for wildlife. You can start in your own backyard.
  10. 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

  1. Do not disturb wild animals. Wildlife is fun to watch, but should be left alone.
  2. Never touch wild animals. Remember, they are wild and can bite or scratch.
  3. Do not try to help wildlife that is injured. Tell an adult.
  4. Do not touch or try to pick up any wild animals that have died.
  5. Do not touch or pick up a young animal. Their parents are watching nearby.
  6. If a wild animal appears sick or hurts you, tell an adult.
  7. Never feed wild animals, except songbirds at bird feeders and only during the fall and winter.
  8. Provide water for wildlife by putting up a birdbath. Keep it full of fresh, clean water.
  9. Watch wildlife that lives near your home. Learn the names of birds and animals. Make a list or draw animals that you see.
  10. Ask an adult to help make a wildlife nesting box or create a wildlife habitat.

From Dauphin County Wildlife Rescue