| “How Do We Take Care of Him?”
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This is a question we hear frequently on the DFW Wildlife Hotline when a well meaning person has found an animal that appears to be in need of help.
It is only natural for us, as humans, to want to help especially when animals are concerned. However, sometimes “taking care” can mean “taking a life” when it comes to wildlife.
In this article we will talk about the connection we feel toward these beautiful creatures, why we feel the need to help and why sometimes it is in their best interest for us to
“Keep it Wild”.
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Why Do We Care?
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In a word…Biophilia-“the love of life or living systems”.
The term “biophilia” was frequently used and made popular by both psychologist Erich Fromm, and biologist/naturalist Edward O. Wilson.
It theorizes that our attraction to living systems especially mammals is due in part to the fact that adult mammals find the large eyes and small features of small or infant mammals appealing which in turn drives us to form an interactive bond with them, thus increasing chances for the survival of the species.
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It is imprinted in our genes and our consciousness to care.Sometimes it is a caller’s desire to teach their children the “circle of life” that prompts one to take in an animal or the desire to get back in touch with nature.
Other times what is natural behavior for an animal is misinterpreted as a call for help, as in the case of fledgling birds. They appear to be abandoned and helpless but the parents are most likely nearby and still feeding their young.
They do not need our help.
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| Why Can't We Keep Him?
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We need to realize that just as we require certain elements to survive, so too, do the animals. Their needs are not the same as ours. This includes different habitat, environments, social structure etc. With that in mind here are some of the best reasons not to keep wildlife in your home. |
Differing dietary needs: This is one of the most critical elements we need to be aware of and probably the number one reason not to keep an animal in captivity. Our diets are not the same as theirs because their digestive systems are quite different than ours. These differences vary from one species to the next.
Appropriate diets and feeding are best left to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian who is very familiar with the specific species.
A “healthy” human diet is quite often fatal for wildlife. |
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It is illegal: Under Federal Law, as well as state, local and city laws, keeping or taking wildlife without a permit is illegal. The laws vary by municipality and species. These laws are set up to protect and conserve the animals as well as their habitat. Some protective laws the animals fall under are:
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Endangered Species Act
The Lacey Act
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A good rule of thumb is that if you do not possess a permit, do not take the animal from its natural habitat unless you have been instructed to do so by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for rescue or medical purposes.
Disease transmission: Bringing wildlife into your home can have some undesirable effects on your family and your domestic pets. Animals in the wild carry parasites, ticks, and bacteria among other microbes that you, your family and pets have never been exposed to. These can bring infectious disease and/or illness to your household. Some of which are considered reportable to the CDC.
Also it may put at risk your veterinarian, office, staff and patients as well, should you choose to drop them off to be taken care of.
Again, follow your permitted wildlife rehabilitator’s instructions carefully if you must handle a wild animal.
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Natural behaviors are jeopardized: An infant mammal, bird or reptile must learn certain survival skills early in life that are best left for the parents to teach in very specific environments. In captivity these skills cannot be taught properly and may lead to the following: |
- Improper socialization- (not knowing or being introduced to their own species). This means they will likely not reproduce and could develop destructive behaviors when sexual maturity is reached.
- Lack of natural hunting/foraging instinct which means they cannot survive if released (or escape) back into the wild.
- They will not have the ability to recognize appropriate food for survival.
- Inability to recognize their natural predators.
These effects all have the same result: a shortened life span for the animal and its species.
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When Is It OK To Interfere?
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| If you find an animal first ask yourself if it truly does need your help. |
- Is it obviously injured?
- Has it been in a cat or dog’s mouth?
- Is this normal behavior and age appropriate(i.e. the fledgling that is flapping around on
the ground)?
- Could your actions make the situation worse?
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If you determine the animal is in need of help please visit one of the following:
www.dfwwildlife.org
www.fund.org
www.hsus.org
These are all excellent sources of information and very accurate when it comes to urban wildlife coexistence.It is our hope that this information has given new insight into our native wildlife and their needs when it comes to creating a mutually healthy coexistence. Nature has given us the ability to bridge the cross-species barrier to create a unique relationship with our wildlife. Not only is this our gift but it is our responsibility to continue to foster this special bond in a manner that benefits all species. |
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