Wildlife and The Law

Wild birds and animals are protected by law and cannot be taken from the wild or kept without special permits from the state and federal authorities. Never consider them as pets; it is illegal and unwise. They are wild animals, which are born to live their lives in the wild; to force them into a life of captivity is inhumane and unjust.

An injured wild animal or one, which is positively known to be orphaned, needs professional assistance. Remember that all wild animals must be approached with caution and handled with gloves to guard against disease. Raccoons, fox and bats in particular carry the rabies virus.

Raptors (Birds of Prey)
If you find an injured raptor, note the geographic location for release. Use a towel, blanket or lightweight jacket large enough to completely cover the bird. Approach slowly from the rear if possible. Watch for the talons. A raptor's feet and talons are its means of defense and are extremely dangerous.

Allow the bird to calm down. Carefully gather the cover around the bird, keeping the wings folded against the body. It is important to guard against overheating. Transfer the bird to a box as soon as possible and call ECCW, your local Fish and Game officer, or animal control officer.

Loons
If you find an injured loon, call your Fish and Game officer, ECCW, or animal control officer immediately for assistance. If possible, keep the loon in water until help arrives.

Fawns
ECCW receives many calls each summer regarding "orphaned" fawns. Whitetail fawns are seldom orphaned and then only if a vehicle has killed the doe. Deer often hide their offspring in the underbrush when they go off to feed. The wonderful thing about Mother Nature is that she has made provisions for the wild creatures of her earth. Scent glands between the toes called "pedal glands" lead a doe back to her fawn. To pick up a fawn, in most cases is to separate it from its mother for life. It's better to leave the fawn alone and watch from afar.

Baby Birds
If you find a baby bird that has fallen from its nest, try to locate the nest and replace the bird. The parents will continue to care for it. If you find a nest, which has fallen from a tree, carefully replace it in the branches at a safe height.

It is not unusual for a young bird that has its feathers to leave the nest before it is completely able to fly. In such cases, the parents will continue to feed these fledglings on the ground as they learn to fly.

Provided by
Elaine Conners
Center for Wildlife
Madison, N.H. 367-8882

The Wildlife Center
The Elaine Conners Center for Wildlife is a nonprofit organization. Our mission is simple, to rescue, rehabilitate and release wild animals from crisis situations and to educate the public about our work.

The Center originated in January of 1992 upon the death of Elaine Conners, a lifelong resident of Madison. Along with the bequest of her Silver Lake home-site for our Center, a perpetual trust was established through the Charter Trust Company of New Hampshire.

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