When ODFW comes into possession of a young animal that has been removed from the wild, it first assesses the animal’s heath. The department strives to place animals with a good chance of survival into licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities but spaces in these facilities are limited.

How many young animals are removed from the wild annually?

ODFW statistics on this issue come from the reports of licensed wildlife rehabilitators, who sometimes come into possession of young wildlife removed from the wild. In 2006, with 65 percent of licensed wildlife rehabilitators reporting, a total of 168 young animals were removed from the wild. Of these, 31 died while in captivity. (Please remember these numbers are not representative of the total number of young animals removed from the wild, only those eventually cared for by wildlife rehabilitators.)

Is removing young wildlife from the wild a crime?

Under state rules administered by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and enforced by Oregon State Police, removing or “capturing” wildlife from the wild and keeping them in captivity without a permit are considered Class A misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine. In 2006, OSP cited nine people for one of these offenses. Wildlife laws (pdf)

What if I see an abandoned fawn or elk calf?

During May and June, Oregon’s black-tailed, white-tailed and mule deer will give birth to their young. By instinct, does leave fawns for extended periods to feed and so they don’t draw attention to their newborns. Fawns are generally safe from predators because of their lack of scent and their protective coloring. So, please, leave them where you found them and leave the area. The mother doe is likely nearby. Your presence and/or leaving your human scent may frighten her away and endanger fawns.  

Elk calves are also born in Oregon during the same timeframe and are similarly at risk. If a deer fawn or elk calf survives being raised in captivity by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, its chances of surviving when released back into the wild are still very poor. For fawns in particular, published studies indicate that rehabilitated fawns do not survive for many weeks after release.

Can I keep a fawn and take care of it until it is old enough to be released?

No, wildlife should never be “adopted.”  It is illegal and very often fatal to the animal.  The rescued animal usually ends up dehydrated, malnourished and with little chance of recovery. 

I found a newborn bird on the ground; should I bring it to a wildlife center?

A fledgling or nestling bird should be taken from its habitat only as a last resort. In captivity, it has no opportunity to learn the skills it needs to live in the wild, giving it only a slim chance of survival. A nestling should be gently and quickly returned to the nest. Resist the urge to keep checking on it; give the mother time and space to return. If the bird is a fully feathered fledgling, it may just be learning to fly. The mother bird will feed it on the ground until it “gets its wings.” A fledgling may be returned to the nest if there are cats or dogs in the area. Keep pets confined or indoors at this time. Visit the Audubon Society for more information.

What if a bird flies into a window and appears hurt?

Birds don’t recognize glass and are confused by reflective surfaces, causing then to occasionally fly into windows. If you find a bird that has been stunned as a result of hitting a window, put the bird in an uncovered box with a towel on the bottom. Keep it in a quiet place away from pets and check back in a couple of hours. If the bird has recovered, it will have flown off. If not, contact a local ODFW office or your local wildlife rehabilitator. 

What should I do with the little seal pup on the beach?

Young seals are often left on the beach while mothers feed in the ocean.  Don’t touch, feed or try to move it. Stay back at least 100 yards and make sure dogs are leashed.

How do I get the raccoon out of my garden shed?

Call your local ODFW office for advice or a licensed wildlife control operator to have the animal removed. Don’t move a wild animal from an attic, barn or crawl space in the spring or early summer without considering it may have young nearby. Once all animals move out or are removed, avoid future problems with wildlife by tightly sealing all vents and openings and covering chimneys with a screen.

What if I see young rabbits, raccoons and squirrels alone?

For small mammals, the same rules apply. Leave them alone. Almost always, the mother knows where they are. Often times, mothers return at dusk or during the night to feed them.

Is there any reason to pick up a wild animal?

Before you remove any animal from the wild, call ODFW or the Oregon State Police.

In the case of a fawn or calf, if you have first hand knowledge that the doe or cow is dead, call ODFW for advice.  The same applies if an animal or bird is clearly injured.