04/09/2026
Help protect our local wildlife.
Although we aren't accepting animals at this time, we are still available to help with advice about wildlife.
Here are some ways you can help wildlife babies throughout the spring and summer!
• If you find a baby songbird who looks healthy, is feathered and hopping on the ground, resist the urge to “rescue” him, until you determine that he is truly orphaned. Baby birds learn to fly from the ground up, so they hop out of the nest and spend several days on the ground, with parents nearby, feeding and teaching them how to survive. If you find one who is out in the open, you can move him a very short distance so he's under brush and not so visible, but his parents can find him. If you have outdoor cats, this is the time to keep them inside to give the fledglings a better chance at survival.
• Be careful trimming trees in the spring, as the trees are filled with squirrel and bird nests. If you can delay until fall after they have all left the nest, that's best. If birds are swooping down on you or your pets, it’s because they have a nest or fledglings nearby and are only protecting them. Use an umbrella or hat until the babies have flown away, and your problem is solved. Don't let your cats or dogs get near the nest.
• If you find a nest of baby rabbits, unless the babies are visibly injured or you’re sure the mom has been killed, they are most likely not in need of help. Mom rabbits only visit the nest to feed the babies and are not there all the time so they don’t draw attention from predators. Baby rabbits leave the nest when they’re only 3 weeks old and about the size of a chipmunk. If you find one this size, fully furred with eyes open, ears up, and the ability to hop, they are old enough to be on their own.
• Be tolerant of mammals such as raccoons or opossums who may come in your yard, or even end up in your garage searching for food for their young. When their babies are old enough, they will move on. They want to keep a safe distance from you as well; they may just have wandered too close in search of food. THEY MAY EVEN BE OUT DURING THE DAY, SEARCHING FOR FOOD - THAT DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE SICK. Don’t approach them, just let them raise their young.
• Be vigilant when driving, since wild animals are traveling more at this time of year, in search of mates, or finding food and a safe place for their offspring. Sometimes they have no choice but to search for food in our backyards. Try to respect and co-exist with your wildlife neighbors.
You can call the staff at Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary at (270)547-4200 for advice. We'll do the best we can to offer advice or referrals. Don't try to force food or water or raise wildlife babies yourself.
