Orphaned Mammals

Found an orphaned mammal and not sure what to do? You're in the right place.

Scroll down for guidance on what to do and when to step in.

Start with a few quick questions

Cottontail Rabbits

Cottontail mothers only visit the nest a few times a day, which can make it seem like babies have been abandoned. Use the questions below to determine if intervention is needed.

Is the mother dead?
- Yes: Call a rehab center
- Not sure: Continue to the next question.
- No: As long as babies are uninjured, they're fine! You can leave them be.

Are the babies injured?
- Yes: Call a rehab center
- No: Cfontinue to the next question.

Are the bunny's eyes open and ears up and is it at least 4 inches long and active?
- Yes: Unless injured, no help necessary!
- No: Continue to the next question.

As long as babies look healthy, place twigs parallel to one another along the top of the nest so that they are completely covering the opening. Leave them over night. Were the twigs disturbed?
- Yes: Mom was there! No need to worry.
- No: Call a rehab center.

Worried about a cat or dog getting into the nest? Rabbits only take about 3 to 4 weeks to grow up enough to be independent. If you can keep your cat inside and/or cover the nest with a board or something heavy when you let your dogs outside to potty, you can keep these babies with their moms AND keep them safe at the same time. Talk about a win-win situation?

Learn more on how to transport/contain an orphan that needs to come to a rehab center.

Skunks, Squirrels, and Other Mammals

Is the mother dead?
- Yes: Call a rehab center
- No/Not sure: Continue to the next question.

Is the baby injured?
- Yes: Call a rehab center
- No: Continue to the next question

Is the weather severe (thunderstorms or SERIOUS rainfall)?
- Yes: Call a rehab center
- No: Continue to the next question

If the baby is not visibly injured, place it in a box near where it was found. For squirrels, place the box at the base of the nearest tree. Observe from a distance for about an hour.

Did mom come get the baby?
- Yes: Great, you've successfully reuinted baby with its mother
- No: Call a rehab center

Learn more on how to transport your orphan.

Note: Opossums are marsupials and carry their babies ina pouch. If you find a deceased mother with babies present, or babies alone, contact us immediately.

Fawns

In Ohio, wildlife rehabilitation of deer is highly restricted. However, if you find a fawn and are unsure what to do, contact us. We will help guide you.

Do you know that the mother is dead?
- Yes: Call a rehab center
- No/Not Sure: Continue to the next step

Is the fawn laying still?
- Yes: This is normal. Fawns are left alone while the mother forages. Do not intervene.
- No: Contact a rehab center

Fawns are naturally left alone for long periods of time while their mother feeds. Remaining still and quiet is their survival strategy, not a sign they've been abandoned. In many cases, well-meaning people accidentally "rescue" healthy fawns that never needed help.

If the fawn is in immediate danger (such as in a roadway or unsafe location), call us at 419-684-9539.

Want more guidance on orphaned wildlife? Download our full guide below.

Download Guide

Transporting Wildlife Orphans

Transportation

Before transporting wildlife, it's important to keep both you and the animal safe.

Use a secure container

Choose a small box or container just large enough for the animal. Add air holes for ventilation.

Line the container

Use paper towels or cloth to absorb waste and provide comfort.

Provide gentle warmth (if needed)

For very young animals, place a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel inside the box.

Minimize handling

Gently place the animal inside. Avoid excessive contact to reduce stress.

Keep it quiet and dark

Close the box and place it in a quiet, warm area during transport.

Do NOT feed or give water

Feeding improperly can cause serious harm. It's best to get the animal to a rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Getting the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator quickly gives it the best chance of survival.

Why contact a wildlife rehabilitator?

It's required by law

In Ohio, native wildlife cannot be rehabilitated without proper state and federal permits.

Wild animals need specialized care

Diet, housing, and medical care must be exact for survival.

Improper care causes long-term harm

Animals raised incorrectly often cannot survive in the wild.

They need to stay wild

Human interaction can prevent animals from learning natural behaviors and avoiding danger.

The best chance for survival is always professional care.