How To Rescue Baby Mammals 

This information is for adults only, children should never handle any wild animals!

If you do found a baby mammal, place a clean, soft cloth (no strings or loops) in the bottom of a box with air holes.  Always prepare a container.  Never use the original nest as it may have parasites.

Wear gloves, protect yourself.  The animal may bite or scratch in defense.  Any wild animal can carry disease and parasites.  If you are bitten by a wild animal, the animal will have to be tested for rabies.

If you need to use your bare hands to see if the baby is cold, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.  If you determine the baby does need heat, the best way to do this is to place the nest about 12" below a 40 watt light bulb.  Make sure the baby is not getting over heated.  Another method is to place a heating pad, on low, under half of the box.  Be sure to check and make sure the baby doesn't get over heated.  If heating isn't needed, or if the baby is older and active, place the animal in the prepared container, close box and make sure there are air holes.

For possible release later on, please note where you found the animal.

Keep the baby in a warm and quiet place.

It is very easy to get food or water into the windpipe, so do not give food or water.  Also if an animal is very dehydrated or cold, it cannot digest food properly.

We are predators and it is very stressful for the animal to be handled.  Sometimes sitting calmly can be a sign of shock.  Don't allow the children or pets near the baby either.

Contact TCWC at 209-547-3233 and we will help you.  California law does not allow you to keep wild animals if you do not have the proper permits, even if you plan to release them.  It is best to let the professionals handle the situation.