Wildlife Encounters: What to Do When You Find a "Lost" Baby Animal

Every spring, well-meaning Guelphites scoop up "abandoned" baby wildlife and rush them to GHS. The truth is, most of those animals are not abandoned — they are exactly where they should be, and removing them often does more harm than good.

Cottontail rabbits, for example, leave their kits in shallow nests for most of the day; mom returns only at dawn and dusk to feed. A baby fawn left alone in tall grass is following its instincts, not lost. Fledgling birds spend several days on the ground learning to fly while parents bring food from above.

Before intervening, please call our wildlife line at (519) 824-3091 ext. 3 or visit our online wildlife guide. We can help you identify whether the animal genuinely needs help — and connect you with the nearest licensed rehabilitator if so.

Quick Reference

• NEVER feed wildlife — incorrect food can be fatal
• NEVER attempt to raise wildlife at home (it is illegal in Ontario)
• If injured: contain in a covered, ventilated box with a soft towel; keep warm and quiet; call us
• For deer fawns specifically: leave alone unless visibly injured or covered in flies/ants