by Richard "Bugman" Fagerlund
Daily Lobo Columnist
Occasionally I get calls to pick up baby birds or injured birds on campus. I don't mind picking them up when I am on campus, but there are people you can call who are far more qualified than me when it comes to baby animals. I do all right when it comes to baby centipedes, scorpions and other cute little bugs, but I am out of my league with birds and mammals, at least caring for them properly. The best source of information on anything pertaining to animals in New Mexico is Animal Protection of New Mexico. I found the following information on one of the fact sheets they send out. Here is what you can do when you find injured animals:
BABY BIRDS - Many baby birds are mistaken for orphans during a short "fledgling" period where they have left the nest, but still rely on mom and dad for food. Fledgling birds are often found on the ground and are assumed to be injured or abandoned. This is not usually the case! Do not move these little birds unless they are in immediate danger of being hit by a lawnmower, stepped on, etc. It is OK to move a fledgling a short distance to a safer place if absolutely necessary. The parents will find it. It is a myth that birds will reject babies touched by humans. Keep a close eye on any baby you think has been abandoned. If the parents do not return to feed it within an hour or so, call a wildlife rehabilitator. Never attempt to give a baby bird water!
INJURED BIRDS - Place the bird in a box and put it in a quiet place until you can contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Birds that have flown into a window may just be stunned and can probably be released after a little bit of rest. Birds that have been poisoned or have other obvious injuries should be taken to a rehabilitator immediately. Remember, outside cats are a leading cause of death to songbirds in this country. Please do not allow your cat to roam outside! Even well fed cats will hunt birds if given the chance.
BABY RABBITS - Baby rabbits live in "nests" that are sometimes accidentally uncovered by people. If you uncover a nest, the best thing to do is to gently herd the babies back to the nest and leave them alone. Baby rabbits are easily stressed and extremely difficult to keep alive once they are out of their mother's care. Please do not handle them unless absolutely necessary. They are extremely cute, but will probably not survive if you try to raise them on your own.
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OTHER INJURED/ BABY ANIMALS - Many wild animals are cute, especially babies, and it might be tempting to try and care for one on your own. This is not a good idea! Wild animals can carry parasites and diseases that may be transmittable to you or your companion animals. In addition, wildlife rehabilitators have the facilities and knowledge to address the very specific needs of various wildlife species.
For a complete list of authorized wildlife rehabilitators in NewMexico, please call NM Game and Fish at 841-8881. If you have any questions regarding animal care, call Viki Elkey at 896-7761. Elkey is a Campaign Associate with APNM and is very knowledgeable in this area. She is also a very good friend of mine. On another, but similar note, a number of chimpanzees are no longer being held captive for medical testing at the Coulston Laboratories. They are now living at the Captive Chimpanzee Care Center in Alamogordo.
These once angry chimps now love to play, have a beautiful smile and unique and wonderful personalities, but they do need some outside help. They need light blankets, which they make into nests. They love to play with toys, particularly Little Tykes toys. Any toys that are made of plastic and have no movable parts and are appropriate for a three-year-old child will do. Also unbreakable mirrors, hairbrushes and magazines or children's books with lots of pictures would be neat gifts. Food is good also, particularly oatmeal, cornmeal, grits, raisins, Cheerios, creamy peanut butter and nuts in shells.
If anyone reading this has any of these items they would like to share with these chimps as they try to get over their former life as abused test animals, please contact me at fagerlun@unm.edu.
