The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer
Established in 1965, HAWS assists over 6,000 animals and welcomes more than 31,000 human visitors annually. As an “open admissions” shelter we lead the community in animal welfare and assure sanctuary for all animals in need, regardless of age, health or temperament. HAWS is a non-profit, entirely donor-fund organization with an active humane education program, and both wildlife and companion animal rescue services for Waukesha County.
Don't Touch - No Matter How Tempting!
By Humane Animal Welfare Society
Tuesday, Apr 22 2008, 03:13 PM
“I have every confidence that there will be a revival of activity in the spring, and that during this coming year the country will make steady progress." - Andrew Mellon (1855 - 1937) financier, philanthropist
We’ll leave the steady progress of the country to other blogs, but at HAWS we can certainly vouch for the “revival of activity” part!
Spring in the animal welfare business means several things, notably kittens, increased foot traffic from the winter hermits venturing back out into the world, kittens, more stray dogs who’ve gone out to see what’s changed since the snow melted, kittens, and increased wildlife encounters. Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal – for almost every species.
This time of year, our phone calls increase dramatically regarding what should be done with wildlife that is found. Here’s the short answer:
Don’t touch! No, really, leave them alone.
Most wildlife that is thought to be “abandoned” is actually being very closely watched, and there is a mother hiding nearby. Wildlife youngsters of all kinds need to learn to be on their own – and they get to practice, with guidance from adults. (Hmmm, sounds familiar...)
Parent animals RARELY abandon healthy offspring. They will leave their youth hidden while foraging for food, sometimes only returning at dawn and dusk. They stay away so as not to advertise the presence of their young to any predators that might be wandering by - smart!
Some myths/hints: it is not true that parents will reject their young because a human has touched it, but you should still resist the urge to handle wildlife. A feathered, young bird may or may not be able to fly, but unless it is obviously ill or injured the parent bird will continue to care for it. Most important rule of thumb: Keep kids and pets away. 
If your dog - or lawn mower – does find a nest of cottontails, young birds, or other species, before doing anything contact us at HAWS. Or you can speak with our friends at the Wildlife in Need Center – they have licensed rehabilitators available to step in if needed.
By the way – wildlife do NOT make good housepets. Don’t even go there. We’re bursting at the seams with appropriate companion pets at HAWS – stop by ASAP!
