ANIMAL CONTROL

While St. Hubert's animal control officers often apprehend or assist in the rescue of small injured or orphaned wildlife and birds in our 27 municipalities, our shelters are not staffed or equipped to care for these animals properly.

Over the years we have developed a successful network with state licensed wildlife and bird rehabilitators who stand ready to accept many of the animals that we now receive. Their expertise in the care, feeding and medical treatment of a wide variety of animals native to New Jersey makes it possible for a large number of them to be raised and prepared for re-release into their natural habitats as nature intended them.

The rehabilitators provide information and guidelines to St. Hubert's staff and are also available on a referral basis to assist residents experiencing problems with wildlife on their properties.

In many cases information and instruction makes it possible for homeowners to live in harmony with the wild animals in their neighborhoods and find humane solutions to the problems that sometimes occur when people and wildlife share the environment.

What To Do If ...


... You Find An Orphaned Wild Animal

Don't Rush! The animal or bird may not be orphaned at all! Wild young must go out and about with Mom in order to learn how to make it on their own. Mom may not be in sight when you come along, but is probably close, hidden from view.

Observe and think! Gather as much information as possible about the animal or bird. What kind? What size? Is there blood or are there flies? Is it moving or making noises? Is it plump or thin?

Leave the area. If there are no apparent injuries leave the area for awhile. This will give you a chance to call a rehabilitator for advice and it will give the wild mother a chance to retrieve her young.

Return. With the advice you have been given, you can now safely do what is best for both the animal and yourself.

... You Find A Young Bird or An Entire Nest on the Ground

Return it to the nest. It is a myth that parent birds will reject their young because they've been touched by humans.

Return the nest to the tree. If the birds are uninjured and the parents are still around—which is likely—return the nest.

Rescue the nestling. If the bird cannot be returned to the nest or if it truly is orphaned, rescue it.

... You Find An Injured Animal

Don't panic or rush! You could put yourself in danger and/or cause injury to the animal.

Don't touch! Even if the animal has to be moved out of immediate danger (such as a road), you must protect yourself first. Never handle any injured animal without creating a barrier between it and you. Use heavy gloves, blanket, net, box or board. Handling the animal can cause it increased stress.

Do not feed! Keep the animal in a warm, dark and quiet place.

Call for help or advice. Do not attempt to take care of wild animals yourself. This is for your own safety, as well as for the well-being of the animals. It is also illegal to keep wildlife unless you are licensed.

...You Find An Injured Bird

Gently pick up the bird with your hands. Warm it in your hands until you can move it to a warm environment.

Make a temporary home. Use a berry box or bowl lined with facial tissues.

Keep it warm. Place a heating pad, wrapped in a towel, under the bowl and place a thermometer on the towel. Maintain 85 to 90 degrees F.

Feeding it. Use high protein kibble (dry) dog food soaked in warm water until soft. (Acceptable for short-term feeding only.) Feed hourly during the day. Do not give the bird water.

Get the bird to a licensed avian rehabilitator! If the bird is a fledgling (old enough to have left the nest), don't be in a hurry to rescue it unless it is injured or needs to be moved out of danger. Remember, its parents will not abandon it.

 

If you would like more information about how to help an injured or orphaned wild animal or bird you can contact:

Brookview Wildlife Center
8 Brookview Road
Boonton Twp, NJ 07005
(973) 335-9011


Woodlands Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 5046
Clinton, NJ 08809
(908) 730-8300


The Raptor Trust (Birds Only!)
1390 White Bridge Road
Millington, NJ 07946
(908) 647-2353