Do keep your cat inside, especially during spring and summer when baby birds are on the ground learning to fly.

Do try to put baby birds that are found on the ground back into the nest (if they have not been attacked by cats). Mother birds will not reject babies that have been handled by people.

Do drive with care on dark roads. Automobile related injuries are one of the main reasons animals are admitted to the wildlife center.

Do keep injured animals in a warm, quiet place until they can be transported to the rehabilitation center. Do not give the animal any food or water.

Do put caps on chimneys and seal up any entrances to your house before a wild animal decides to move in.

Do keep trash in secure containers equipped with sealable lids, or equip regular trash cans with tie-downs or weights placed on their lids.

Don't attempt to treat a wild animal yourself. If you can do so safely, transport the animal to PAWS or other wildlife rehabilitators as soon as possible.

Don't assume that animals left unattended always need your help. Many animals will leave their young alone for long periods of time.

Don't try to solve the problem of animals nesting in attics during the spring and summer as babies (and protective parents) may be present. Wait until early fall when the young leave the nest, then permanently repair any access holes.

Don't feed wildlife. Doing so creates harm to the animals themselves and alters their patterns of interaction with humans.

Return to Wildlife Fact Sheets.