TIPS FOR WILDLIFE RESCUE
***Avian Influenza Spring 2022***
USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of the H5N1strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in MA, NH, and ME.
Our biggest concerns are keeping our ambassadors and staff/volunteers safe, along with the public and of course our general population of patients.
In order to continue accepting injured birds from the wild, we have altered our admissions and triage protocols in accordance with USDA, CDC, and state guidelines. Please call the Hotline at 207-361-1400 before handling a wild bird, click here for more information on Avian Influenza, and click here to view our Avian Influenza Triage Flow Chart to understand what to expect when calling or bringing in an admission.
FOR ALL ANIMALS
Please keep the car as quiet as possible
(e.g. turn off the radio, talk quietly, etc.)
Keep pets away from the animal.
Stress can be deadly to injured animals, handle as little as possible. Keep animals in an enclosed container in a quiet area.
Do not attempt to give animals food, water or medication.
Please keep personal safety in mind during rescue, wear safety equipment when handling wildlife.
(Non-Suspect Avian Influenza Species Only)
Use a towel to cover the bird (dish towel for small birds; bath towel for large birds).
Place the bird in a well-ventilated box and transfer to Center for Wildlife or local rehabilitator.
If you are rescuing a bird of prey, be careful of their talons!
If you are rescuing a water bird, be careful of their beak and wear eye protection if possible.
Do not leave towels in container with woodpeckers. They have barbed tongues that can become entangled!
Use a towel to cover the animal (dish towel for small mammals or babies).
Place the animal in a well-ventilated box and transfer to Center for Wildlife or local rehabilitator.
If you are rescuing a porcupine, do not use a towel - it will stick to their quills. Use heavy leather gloves to help guide into carrying box/crate/etc.
We are only able to accept bats from within the state of Maine. These animals could potentially carry rabies, state and federal regulations prohibit them crossing state lines.
Remember to move turtles across the road in the direction they were headed - they know where they're going!
Large snapping turtles can be helped across the road by encouraging them to bite a sturdy stick and pulling them across the road on top of a towel - please remember to use a towel to avoid scraping the underside of their shells!
If a turtle was hit by a car, please bring it to the Center - we may be able to bracket its shell.
We are also able to extract eggs from deceased individuals
Orphaned Baby Animals
Please don't rescue baby animals unless necessary!
During the nesting season (March-October), many healthy baby birds and juveniles can be found on the ground and appear injured. They may be building up their flight muscles and coordination. Their parents are often nearby.
Call our Hotline if you are unsure.
There are many easy ways you can help
preserve and protect wildlife!
Keep your cat(s) indoors.
Pull the shades on your windows to avoid bird window strikes.
Put raptor silhouette stickers on your windows to prevent songbird window strikes.
Plant native plants.
Avoid the use of pesticides, insecticides, and rodenticides.
Keep standing snags - these are terrific homes for wildlife!
Delay tree work until November - nesting season now extends from March to November, so it's best to conduct tree work in late fall or early spring.
Attend town meetings (Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission).
Support conservation and your local environmental nonprofits.
Check out the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife page for more information on local conservation efforts
Learn about and advocate for the Dark Skies Initiative.
Help educate others on the important roles wildlife play, and tips for coexistence.
Spend time outdoors, enjoying nature!
Avoid GMO foods and products.
Eat sustainably harvested foods.
Buy from eco-conscious companies or 1% for the Planet businesses.
Reduce energy use and use of fossil fuels.