WILDLIFE AS PETS
Shasta Wildlife would like to remind the public that it is illegal to possess a wild animal. Wild
animals do not make good pets. Most wild animals are cute and affectionate when they are
young, but become troublesome as adults when maturing instincts conflict with the taming
process. The animal becomes too wild to keep as a pet, yet is too tame to survive in its natural
habitat. If you find an injured or sick wild animal, please contact us.
It is against the law in most states to keep wild animals if you don't have permits, even if you
plan to release them!!
FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Shasta Wildlife cannot accept any domestic animals, including domestic birds (parakeets,
lovebirds, etc.). Our rehabilitation permit, issued by the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife
Services, only allows us to provide rehabilitative care to non-domestic animals.
For domestic animals please contact Haven Humane Society at: 530 241-2550. They have a
24 hour phone monitor system at this number. They can also be reached during business
hours at: 530 241-1653.
Check the following links for other agencies in Northern California that accept domestic
animals:
Anderson Police Department Animal Services
Another Chance Animal Welfare League
Austin's Miniature Longears
City of Shasta Lake Animal Control
Farm Sanctuary
Fetch 11 Humane Society, Inc.
Pets Without Partners
Safe Haven Horse Rescue & Sanctuary
Shasta County Sheriff Animal Regulation - Petfinders
Shasta County Sheriff Services Page - Animal Regulation
Wild Horse Sanctuary
FOR WILDLIFE
For fawns please contact Haven Humane Society at: 530 241-2550. They have a 24 hour
phone monitor system at this number. They can also be reached during business hours at:
530 241-1653.
For large animals, such as bears or mountain lions, please contact California Department of
Fish and Game at: 530 225-2300.
For bats and baby skunks contact Tehama Wild Care at: 530 347-1687. Also check the
additional information below in the bat section.
For all other animals in Shasta County, contact the SWRR hotline at:
530 365-9453 (365-WILD)
If we cannot accept the animal in question we can refer you to the appropriate wildlife expert,
agency or organization.
If you are not in Shasta County, check our Links web page to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your
area. Also check our Links web page for more websites with information on injured wildlife
care.
SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO AVOID HARMING WILDLIFE
Most of the wild animals brought to our clinic suffer from injuries or problems caused by
humans. Since most people try to avoid causing harm to other living things we decided to put
together a list of things "to do" and "not to do" to help our wildlife. The list is in no particular
order of importance, but if everyone followed these suggestions, our caseload would be
dramatically reduced.
1. Prevent your pet cats and dogs from attacking and/or playing with wildlife. Don’t allow them
to run without supervision and raise your cats as indoor pets. Many injured animals are
brought to the clinic each year with terrible wounds from dog and cat attacks.
2. Alert birds to large expanses of glass in your home, such as patio doors or picture windows,
by hanging streamers, putting bird silhouettes on the glass surface, or allow the glass to be a
little bit dirty. Reducing the reflection should cut down on the number of birds who collide, often
fatally, with windows and doors.
3. Educate children to respect and care for all wild creatures and their habitats. Children need
to learn that wild animals are not playthings and should be allowed to go about their lives
unmolested. Children should also be told not to destroy nests, burrows and other wildlife
homes.
4. Pick up litter and refuse that could harm wildlife, including six-pack connectors (after cutting
each circle to reduce the risk of entanglement), mono filament fishing line, and watch batteries
(if consumed by waterfowl they can cause mercury poisoning).
5. Be alert when driving, especially near wildlife refuges and in rural areas, to avoid hitting or
running over wild creatures. Animals do not recognize the danger from an oncoming vehicle.
And please stop and move any turtles away from the roadway or shoulder of the road.
6. As a general rule, leave infant wildlife alone, since they are not always truly orphaned. A
parent may be nearby or will return soon. Be sure they are in need of help before you remove
them from the nest area. If you find young birds on the ground, attempt to return them to the
nest.
7. Place caps over all chimneys and vents on your roof to prevent birds, ducks and raccoons
from taking up residence and becoming a nuisance or getting trapped.
8. Do not leave fishing line or fish hooks unattended or lying about outdoors. Try to retrieve any
kite string left on the ground or entangled in trees.
9. Before mowing your lawn or rototilling your garden, walk through the area first to make sure
no rabbits or ground-nesting birds are in harms way. Remember, it only takes a couple weeks
for these babies to grow and leave the nest. Be tolerant and give them the time they need.
10. Check trees to make sure there are no active nests or residents of cavities before cutting
them down. Even better, avoid cutting down dead trees if they pose no safety hazard, since
they provide homes for a wide variety of wildlife.
11. Use non-toxic products on your lawn and garden.
12. Motor oil should not be left in oil pans unattended. Birds often fall into these pans and few
survive.
13. Do not attempt to raise or keep wildlife yourself. Not only is it illegal, but wild creatures do
not make good pets and captivity poses a constant stress to them. Young wild animals raised
without contact with their own species fail to develop survival skills and fear of humans, virtually
eliminating their chances of survival in the wild.
14. Don't leave sticky fly tapes hanging in open areas where birds can come in contact with
them. It is very difficult to remove the resin from a birds feathers.
15. Take down unused soccer and volleyball nets. Birds become entangled in them, especially
raptors that hunt at night and cannot see the nets.
I FOUND A BABY BIRD, NOW WHAT?
Is the bird hurt or sick? Is it unable to flutter it's wings; bleeding; wings drooping unevenly;
weak or shivering; attacked by cat/dog? If yes, bird needs help. Please call or take it to the
Shasta Wildlife Center.
Is it a nestling? Bird will not be fully feathered and may have fallen from nest. If possible put the
baby back in it's nest. If not, you can make a substitute nest by lining a small container (such
as berry basket or margarine tub) with dry grass or pine needles. Hang from original or nearby
tree and leave the area. Mama will come if she can and there is no interference (dogs, cats or
people). Now observe, is baby abandoned. If yes, bird needs help. Please call or take it to the
Shasta Wildlife Center.
Is it a fledgling? Normal behavior is hopping on ground; parents are still feeding it. Is bird safe
from cats, dogs, or people? If so baby is okay. Leave the area. If baby is not safe, place the
bird in bushes or on tree limb nearby and watch from a distance to see if parents return. If so,
baby will be taken care of. Do parents return? If no, bird needs help. Please call or take it to
the Shasta Wildlife Center.
If you find a baby duck, goose, quail, or killdeer:
If you know the mother is dead, or if baby is injured, call SWRR right away. If baby is
separated from the mother and you know where she is, place baby close by so she can hear
it. Watch from a distance. If the mother is not found or does not claim the baby within an hour
then bird needs help. Please call or take it to the Shasta Wildlife Center.
HOW TO RESCUE BABY BIRDS
Only adults should rescue baby birds. Before rescuing adult birds seek guidance from a
wildlife rehabilitator.
1. Prepare a container. Place a soft cloth (not a terry cloth towel) on the bottom of the
cardboard box or cat/dog carrier with a lid. If it doesn't have air holes, make some. For small
size birds you can use a paper sack with air holes punched in it.
2. Gently pick up the bird and place in prepared container, being especially careful with the
wings.
3. Warm the bird if it's cold outside or if the animal is chilled. Put one end of the container on a
heating pad set on low. Or fill a zip-lock plastic bag, plastic soft drink container with a screw lid
or a rubber glove with hot water. Wrap warm container with cloth and put in next to the animal.
Make sure the container doesn't leak or the bird will get wet and chilled. Make sure also that
the bird can't get burned by whatever you put in the box/carrier/bag with it.
4. Cover the box, carrier, etc. with a light sheet or towel
5. Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet place. Don't give it food or water. Leave it alone; don't
handle or bother it. Keep children and pets away.
6. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Don't keep the bird at your home longer
than necessary. Keep the bird in a container; don't let it loose in your house or car.
7. Wash your hands after contact with the bird. Wash anything the bird was in contact with -
towels, jacket, blanket, pet carrier -to prevent the spread of diseases and/or parasites to you
or your pets.
8. Give the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
I FOUND A BABY MAMMAL, NOW WHAT?
Is the baby animal hurt or sick? Is it bleeding, shivering, vomiting; was attacked by cat/dog? If
yes, the mammal needs help. Please call or take it to the Shasta Wildlife Center.
Has the baby lost it's way? If you can find the nest or den and it is in tact, replace the baby. If
you cannot find the original nest then place the baby in a shallow box close to where it was
found. Keep it warm but out of the sun. In either situation listed above, watch for the mother for
4 to 6 hours. Stay completely out of sight. Mothers won't return if any people or pets are
present. If the mother returns the baby is okay so leave the area. If not, please call or take it to
the Shasta Wildlife Center.
I FOUND BABY COTTONTAIL BUNNIES, NOW WHAT?
If their nest has been damaged, it can be repaired. Look for a shallow depression lined with
grass/fur. Place babies in nest with light layers of grass to hide them. Leave the area, or the
mother won't return. Mothers return only at dawn & dusk. If you find healthy bunnies that are 4-5
inches long, able to hop, with eyes open and ears up, they do not need help. They are able to
survive on their own. Leave them alone.
I FOUND A BABY JACK RABBIT, NOW WHAT?
Unlike cottontails, jack rabbit mothers do not make a nest, other than a fine depression on the
ground covered by soft grasses. Babies are born fully furred and eyes open. Mama will leave
them alone for hours at a time where they stay still until she comes back to feed them. If you
find a baby follow guide lines for a fawn. Leave it alone unless it is threatened or injured or sick.
I FOUND A FAWN, NOW WHAT?
Mothers normally leave their babies to feed. Mother deer communicate with their babies telling
them to stay quiet and still while they go feed. Mother leaves baby alone for hours. She will
return and baby will stay where mom says. If baby looks okay, leave the baby alone as the
mother will not return if people or pets are present. If baby looks cold, hungry, diseased or
confused, or if dogs or other animals, or people threaten it, then call the Haven Humane
Society. See the contact section above for their contact information.
I FOUND AN ORPHANED BABY SKUNK, NOW WHAT?
Before turning in an orphan baby skunk it is important to make sure it is actually orphaned.
Baby skunks stay with the mother through the winter. Rehabilatated baby skunks are released
in the fall. Tehama Wild Care takes in orphan skunk kittens, while SWRR does not. See the
bat section for their contact information.
HOW TO RESCUE BABY MAMMALS
Only adults should rescue baby mammals. Before rescuing adult mammals, seek guidance
from a wildlife rehabilitator.
1. Prepare a container. Place a soft cloth on the bottom of a cardboard box or cat/dog carrier
with a lid. If it doesn't have air holes, make some. For smaller animals, you can use a paper
sack with air holes punched in.
2. Protect yourself. Wear gloves, if possible. Some animals may bite or scratch to protect
themselves, even if sick; wild animals commonly have parasites (fleas, lice, ticks) and carry
diseases.
3. Cover the animal with a light sheet or towel.
4. Gently pick up the animal and put it in the prepared container.
5. Warm the animal if it's cold out or if the animal is chilled. Put one end of the container on a
heating pad set on low. Or fill a zip-top plastic bag, plastic soft drink container with a screw lid,
or a rubber glove with hot water; wrap warm container with cloth, and put it next to the animal.
Make sure the container doesn't leak, or the animal will get wet and chilled.
6. Tape the box shut or roll the top of the paper bag closed.
7. Note exactly where you found the animal. This will be very important for release.
8. Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place. Don't give it food or water. Leave it alone;
don't handle or bother it. Keep children and pets away.
9. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, state wildlife agency, or wildlife veterinarian as soon as
possible. Don't keep the animal at your home longer than necessary. Keep the animal in a
container; don't let it loose in your house or car.
10. Wash your hands after contact with the animal. Wash anything the animal was in contact
with - towel, jacket, blanket, pet carrier -to prevent the spread of diseases and/or parasites to
you or your pets.
11. Get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
DID YOU FIND A BAT?
It is imperative for your safety and the safety of others that you do not handle bats, especially
with your bare hands. It is vitally important to avoid the bat's saliva. If you find a bat, cover it
where it is found with a box or bucket, etc. If the bat is still alive, make sure there are breathing
holes in the cover so it can breath and stay cool. Then call an expert immediately. In the
Shasta and Tehama County area you can contact:
Karen Scheuermann
Tehama Wildcare
530 347-1687
Shasta Wildlife Rescue does not accept bats for rehabilitation due to licensing and safety
issues. If you call us however, we can refer you to a qualified bat rescuer.
Another bat contact in Shasta County:
Chad Hawthorne
530 242-1733
For more information on bat care and rabies in bats see the following websites:
Bat Conservation International
Bat World
Nothern California Bats
RABIES IN BATS
The Rabies virus is preventable and treatable. Untreated, the Rabies virus can stay dormant
within a human body for up to 7 years before showing signs of the disease. It is almost always
fatal if symptoms develop. Anyone who has touched or held a bat should call the public health
department in their county. In Shasta County call:
Shasta County Public Health Dept.
530 225-5591
Additional information on the rabies virus:
Rabies - CDC
Rabies Information - MD Dept. of Health
ADDITIONAL HINT FOR BATS
If you have unwanted bats roosting in your attic, you can use one way flaps to exclude them
from returning after their night feeding, then permanently seal the entry. This can only be done
in the cooler months of November through April or the bat pups will starve to death.
Shasta Wildlife would like to remind the public that it is illegal to possess a wild animal. Wild
animals do not make good pets. Most wild animals are cute and affectionate when they are
young, but become troublesome as adults when maturing instincts conflict with the taming
process. The animal becomes too wild to keep as a pet, yet is too tame to survive in its natural
habitat. If you find an injured or sick wild animal, please contact us.
It is against the law in most states to keep wild animals if you don't have permits, even if you
plan to release them!!
FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Shasta Wildlife cannot accept any domestic animals, including domestic birds (parakeets,
lovebirds, etc.). Our rehabilitation permit, issued by the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife
Services, only allows us to provide rehabilitative care to non-domestic animals.
For domestic animals please contact Haven Humane Society at: 530 241-2550. They have a
24 hour phone monitor system at this number. They can also be reached during business
hours at: 530 241-1653.
Check the following links for other agencies in Northern California that accept domestic
animals:
Anderson Police Department Animal Services
Another Chance Animal Welfare League
Austin's Miniature Longears
City of Shasta Lake Animal Control
Farm Sanctuary
Fetch 11 Humane Society, Inc.
Pets Without Partners
Safe Haven Horse Rescue & Sanctuary
Shasta County Sheriff Animal Regulation - Petfinders
Shasta County Sheriff Services Page - Animal Regulation
Wild Horse Sanctuary
FOR WILDLIFE
For fawns please contact Haven Humane Society at: 530 241-2550. They have a 24 hour
phone monitor system at this number. They can also be reached during business hours at:
530 241-1653.
For large animals, such as bears or mountain lions, please contact California Department of
Fish and Game at: 530 225-2300.
For bats and baby skunks contact Tehama Wild Care at: 530 347-1687. Also check the
additional information below in the bat section.
For all other animals in Shasta County, contact the SWRR hotline at:
530 365-9453 (365-WILD)
If we cannot accept the animal in question we can refer you to the appropriate wildlife expert,
agency or organization.
If you are not in Shasta County, check our Links web page to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your
area. Also check our Links web page for more websites with information on injured wildlife
care.
SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO AVOID HARMING WILDLIFE
Most of the wild animals brought to our clinic suffer from injuries or problems caused by
humans. Since most people try to avoid causing harm to other living things we decided to put
together a list of things "to do" and "not to do" to help our wildlife. The list is in no particular
order of importance, but if everyone followed these suggestions, our caseload would be
dramatically reduced.
1. Prevent your pet cats and dogs from attacking and/or playing with wildlife. Don’t allow them
to run without supervision and raise your cats as indoor pets. Many injured animals are
brought to the clinic each year with terrible wounds from dog and cat attacks.
2. Alert birds to large expanses of glass in your home, such as patio doors or picture windows,
by hanging streamers, putting bird silhouettes on the glass surface, or allow the glass to be a
little bit dirty. Reducing the reflection should cut down on the number of birds who collide, often
fatally, with windows and doors.
3. Educate children to respect and care for all wild creatures and their habitats. Children need
to learn that wild animals are not playthings and should be allowed to go about their lives
unmolested. Children should also be told not to destroy nests, burrows and other wildlife
homes.
4. Pick up litter and refuse that could harm wildlife, including six-pack connectors (after cutting
each circle to reduce the risk of entanglement), mono filament fishing line, and watch batteries
(if consumed by waterfowl they can cause mercury poisoning).
5. Be alert when driving, especially near wildlife refuges and in rural areas, to avoid hitting or
running over wild creatures. Animals do not recognize the danger from an oncoming vehicle.
And please stop and move any turtles away from the roadway or shoulder of the road.
6. As a general rule, leave infant wildlife alone, since they are not always truly orphaned. A
parent may be nearby or will return soon. Be sure they are in need of help before you remove
them from the nest area. If you find young birds on the ground, attempt to return them to the
nest.
7. Place caps over all chimneys and vents on your roof to prevent birds, ducks and raccoons
from taking up residence and becoming a nuisance or getting trapped.
8. Do not leave fishing line or fish hooks unattended or lying about outdoors. Try to retrieve any
kite string left on the ground or entangled in trees.
9. Before mowing your lawn or rototilling your garden, walk through the area first to make sure
no rabbits or ground-nesting birds are in harms way. Remember, it only takes a couple weeks
for these babies to grow and leave the nest. Be tolerant and give them the time they need.
10. Check trees to make sure there are no active nests or residents of cavities before cutting
them down. Even better, avoid cutting down dead trees if they pose no safety hazard, since
they provide homes for a wide variety of wildlife.
11. Use non-toxic products on your lawn and garden.
12. Motor oil should not be left in oil pans unattended. Birds often fall into these pans and few
survive.
13. Do not attempt to raise or keep wildlife yourself. Not only is it illegal, but wild creatures do
not make good pets and captivity poses a constant stress to them. Young wild animals raised
without contact with their own species fail to develop survival skills and fear of humans, virtually
eliminating their chances of survival in the wild.
14. Don't leave sticky fly tapes hanging in open areas where birds can come in contact with
them. It is very difficult to remove the resin from a birds feathers.
15. Take down unused soccer and volleyball nets. Birds become entangled in them, especially
raptors that hunt at night and cannot see the nets.
I FOUND A BABY BIRD, NOW WHAT?
Is the bird hurt or sick? Is it unable to flutter it's wings; bleeding; wings drooping unevenly;
weak or shivering; attacked by cat/dog? If yes, bird needs help. Please call or take it to the
Shasta Wildlife Center.
Is it a nestling? Bird will not be fully feathered and may have fallen from nest. If possible put the
baby back in it's nest. If not, you can make a substitute nest by lining a small container (such
as berry basket or margarine tub) with dry grass or pine needles. Hang from original or nearby
tree and leave the area. Mama will come if she can and there is no interference (dogs, cats or
people). Now observe, is baby abandoned. If yes, bird needs help. Please call or take it to the
Shasta Wildlife Center.
Is it a fledgling? Normal behavior is hopping on ground; parents are still feeding it. Is bird safe
from cats, dogs, or people? If so baby is okay. Leave the area. If baby is not safe, place the
bird in bushes or on tree limb nearby and watch from a distance to see if parents return. If so,
baby will be taken care of. Do parents return? If no, bird needs help. Please call or take it to
the Shasta Wildlife Center.
If you find a baby duck, goose, quail, or killdeer:
If you know the mother is dead, or if baby is injured, call SWRR right away. If baby is
separated from the mother and you know where she is, place baby close by so she can hear
it. Watch from a distance. If the mother is not found or does not claim the baby within an hour
then bird needs help. Please call or take it to the Shasta Wildlife Center.
HOW TO RESCUE BABY BIRDS
Only adults should rescue baby birds. Before rescuing adult birds seek guidance from a
wildlife rehabilitator.
1. Prepare a container. Place a soft cloth (not a terry cloth towel) on the bottom of the
cardboard box or cat/dog carrier with a lid. If it doesn't have air holes, make some. For small
size birds you can use a paper sack with air holes punched in it.
2. Gently pick up the bird and place in prepared container, being especially careful with the
wings.
3. Warm the bird if it's cold outside or if the animal is chilled. Put one end of the container on a
heating pad set on low. Or fill a zip-lock plastic bag, plastic soft drink container with a screw lid
or a rubber glove with hot water. Wrap warm container with cloth and put in next to the animal.
Make sure the container doesn't leak or the bird will get wet and chilled. Make sure also that
the bird can't get burned by whatever you put in the box/carrier/bag with it.
4. Cover the box, carrier, etc. with a light sheet or towel
5. Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet place. Don't give it food or water. Leave it alone; don't
handle or bother it. Keep children and pets away.
6. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Don't keep the bird at your home longer
than necessary. Keep the bird in a container; don't let it loose in your house or car.
7. Wash your hands after contact with the bird. Wash anything the bird was in contact with -
towels, jacket, blanket, pet carrier -to prevent the spread of diseases and/or parasites to you
or your pets.
8. Give the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
I FOUND A BABY MAMMAL, NOW WHAT?
Is the baby animal hurt or sick? Is it bleeding, shivering, vomiting; was attacked by cat/dog? If
yes, the mammal needs help. Please call or take it to the Shasta Wildlife Center.
Has the baby lost it's way? If you can find the nest or den and it is in tact, replace the baby. If
you cannot find the original nest then place the baby in a shallow box close to where it was
found. Keep it warm but out of the sun. In either situation listed above, watch for the mother for
4 to 6 hours. Stay completely out of sight. Mothers won't return if any people or pets are
present. If the mother returns the baby is okay so leave the area. If not, please call or take it to
the Shasta Wildlife Center.
I FOUND BABY COTTONTAIL BUNNIES, NOW WHAT?
If their nest has been damaged, it can be repaired. Look for a shallow depression lined with
grass/fur. Place babies in nest with light layers of grass to hide them. Leave the area, or the
mother won't return. Mothers return only at dawn & dusk. If you find healthy bunnies that are 4-5
inches long, able to hop, with eyes open and ears up, they do not need help. They are able to
survive on their own. Leave them alone.
I FOUND A BABY JACK RABBIT, NOW WHAT?
Unlike cottontails, jack rabbit mothers do not make a nest, other than a fine depression on the
ground covered by soft grasses. Babies are born fully furred and eyes open. Mama will leave
them alone for hours at a time where they stay still until she comes back to feed them. If you
find a baby follow guide lines for a fawn. Leave it alone unless it is threatened or injured or sick.
I FOUND A FAWN, NOW WHAT?
Mothers normally leave their babies to feed. Mother deer communicate with their babies telling
them to stay quiet and still while they go feed. Mother leaves baby alone for hours. She will
return and baby will stay where mom says. If baby looks okay, leave the baby alone as the
mother will not return if people or pets are present. If baby looks cold, hungry, diseased or
confused, or if dogs or other animals, or people threaten it, then call the Haven Humane
Society. See the contact section above for their contact information.
I FOUND AN ORPHANED BABY SKUNK, NOW WHAT?
Before turning in an orphan baby skunk it is important to make sure it is actually orphaned.
Baby skunks stay with the mother through the winter. Rehabilatated baby skunks are released
in the fall. Tehama Wild Care takes in orphan skunk kittens, while SWRR does not. See the
bat section for their contact information.
HOW TO RESCUE BABY MAMMALS
Only adults should rescue baby mammals. Before rescuing adult mammals, seek guidance
from a wildlife rehabilitator.
1. Prepare a container. Place a soft cloth on the bottom of a cardboard box or cat/dog carrier
with a lid. If it doesn't have air holes, make some. For smaller animals, you can use a paper
sack with air holes punched in.
2. Protect yourself. Wear gloves, if possible. Some animals may bite or scratch to protect
themselves, even if sick; wild animals commonly have parasites (fleas, lice, ticks) and carry
diseases.
3. Cover the animal with a light sheet or towel.
4. Gently pick up the animal and put it in the prepared container.
5. Warm the animal if it's cold out or if the animal is chilled. Put one end of the container on a
heating pad set on low. Or fill a zip-top plastic bag, plastic soft drink container with a screw lid,
or a rubber glove with hot water; wrap warm container with cloth, and put it next to the animal.
Make sure the container doesn't leak, or the animal will get wet and chilled.
6. Tape the box shut or roll the top of the paper bag closed.
7. Note exactly where you found the animal. This will be very important for release.
8. Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place. Don't give it food or water. Leave it alone;
don't handle or bother it. Keep children and pets away.
9. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, state wildlife agency, or wildlife veterinarian as soon as
possible. Don't keep the animal at your home longer than necessary. Keep the animal in a
container; don't let it loose in your house or car.
10. Wash your hands after contact with the animal. Wash anything the animal was in contact
with - towel, jacket, blanket, pet carrier -to prevent the spread of diseases and/or parasites to
you or your pets.
11. Get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
DID YOU FIND A BAT?
It is imperative for your safety and the safety of others that you do not handle bats, especially
with your bare hands. It is vitally important to avoid the bat's saliva. If you find a bat, cover it
where it is found with a box or bucket, etc. If the bat is still alive, make sure there are breathing
holes in the cover so it can breath and stay cool. Then call an expert immediately. In the
Shasta and Tehama County area you can contact:
Karen Scheuermann
Tehama Wildcare
530 347-1687
Shasta Wildlife Rescue does not accept bats for rehabilitation due to licensing and safety
issues. If you call us however, we can refer you to a qualified bat rescuer.
Another bat contact in Shasta County:
Chad Hawthorne
530 242-1733
For more information on bat care and rabies in bats see the following websites:
Bat Conservation International
Bat World
Nothern California Bats
RABIES IN BATS
The Rabies virus is preventable and treatable. Untreated, the Rabies virus can stay dormant
within a human body for up to 7 years before showing signs of the disease. It is almost always
fatal if symptoms develop. Anyone who has touched or held a bat should call the public health
department in their county. In Shasta County call:
Shasta County Public Health Dept.
530 225-5591
Additional information on the rabies virus:
Rabies - CDC
Rabies Information - MD Dept. of Health
ADDITIONAL HINT FOR BATS
If you have unwanted bats roosting in your attic, you can use one way flaps to exclude them
from returning after their night feeding, then permanently seal the entry. This can only be done
in the cooler months of November through April or the bat pups will starve to death.
| FIND A CRITTER? |
| Two week old baby gray squirrel Photo contributed by Steve Hobson: http://www.steves-digital.biz/SWRR.html |
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