Juvenile wild animals do not make good pets because they become difficult to handle as they grow. Once used to humans, released animals are not likely to survive in the wild because they do not have the necessary skills to stay alive. They may also be attracted to people, leading to their eventual death. Wild animals can also be attracted to properties that provide shelter and/or food, resulting in conflict and property damage.

Just because a young animal is alone does not mean it is orphaned. It is normal for some species to leave their offspring temporarily alone, especially during the day. For example, deer and cottontail rabbits spend much of the day away from their well-camouflaged offspring to minimize the chance of predators finding them.

An exception would be the Virginia opossum, which spend the first three months of life in the female’s pouch. If you find a juvenile opossum alone, it is safe to assume that it is in need of help.

To determine if young wildlife is truly orphaned:

• Check the animal periodically for 24 to 48 hours to see if it is still around, but keep your distance.

• Keep cats and dogs away from the area where the young animal is; the adult will not return if it is noisy or if predators or people are close by.

•  Blood, wounds or swelling on the body

•  Lethargy or coldness to the touch

•  Body covered in fleas

•  Unusual or uneven loss of fur or feathers

•  Vocalizing and/or following humans around

•  A fawn that is wandering around

•  Contact with a domestic cat

•  Difficult or raspy breathing or sneezing

•  A dangling leg or wing

•  Closed eyes

•  Head tucked under wing

The best approach is always to leave a juvenile wild animal alone unless you are certain it has been abandoned or it is injured.

If you find an injured, sick or orphaned wild animal, contact a wildlife custodian who can provide the specialized and immediate care necessary to help the animal. If you must handle it, seek the advice of a wildlife custodian to minimize risk of injury to yourself and to the animal. Wear protective clothing and equipment, such as leather gloves, to avoid bites or scratches, and wash hands well after handling the animal.

• Local Humane Society or local branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

If you suspect there is a public health risk from a sick wild animal, such as rabies, or you or your pet had contact with a suspected rabid animal, contact your local Public Health Unit immediately. Rabies is fatal for humans and animals if not treated. Symptoms of rabies and several other diseases in animals can include tremors, aggressive behaviour, partial paralysis, convulsions, and loss of fear of humans.

To report a dead crow, raven or blue-jay bird contact your local Public Health Unit. To report other dead animals or birds contact the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC).

•  Public Health Units:

•  Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre: