Wildlife Rescue League

Transcription

1 Wildlife Rescue League Helpline Volunteer Manual Our objectives: Provide help to orphaned and injured wildlife Provide advice and guidance about wildlife to the public Support wildlife rehabilitators

2 The Wildlife Rescue League Helpline Volunteer Manual was prepared for the Wildlife Rescue League by Sharon L. Birdsong, June 1997, revised January 1999, April 2003, October All rights to the manual belong to the Wildlife Rescue League, and it may not be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission of: Wildlife Rescue League PO Box 704 Falls Church, VA About the Wildlife Rescue League We are a non-profit organization, incorporated in 1984, with the following goals in mind: To provide care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and return them to the wild. To educate the public on wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation. To gather and share information about wildlife rehabilitation with other rehabilitators and rehabilitation groups.

3 INTRODUCTION... 1 OUR MUTUAL CONTRACT... 1 ABOUT THE HELPLINE AND WHAT IT DOES... 2 Helpline/Transporter Subcommittee... 3 Mailout Coordinator... 3 Chart 1. Your Responsibilities as a Helpline Volunteer... 4 General Operating Principles... 5 Closing Out Your Shift... 6 Dealing with the Public... 6 How to Work the Phone System... 7 WILDLIFE LAWS YOU SHOULD KNOW AND APPLY... 9 What does this mean for wildlife rehabilitators and the helpline? When A Caller Is Reluctant to Turn the Baby Over: Can you tell me what to feed it? What should I give it until I can get it to a rehabilitator? Can I get the animal back when it is ready to be released? ZOONOTIC DISEASES RABIES Potential exposures human Potential exposures pets High, low, and no risk rabies species How can I tell normal behavior in a rabies vector species from possible rabies? Preventing rabies exposure CDC Rabies Information Chart 2. CDC Rabies Information DOES IT NEED TO BE RESCUED? YES, IT NEEDS TO BE RESCUED NOW WHAT? i

4 A Word about Animal Control Capture and Handling Containment Transport MISCELLANEOUS Calls about dead wildlife Calls from Maryland and the District of Columbia Finding a rehabilitator outside our referral area Domestic animals and livestock Reporting an animal cruelty case BIRDS IDENTIFYING BIRDS OVER THE TELEPHONE UNDERSTANDING BIRDS Altricial Birds Precocial Birds BIRD HABITATS AND NESTING HABITS BACK YARD FEEDING AND SANITATION MIGRATION HUMAN-CAUSED PROBLEMS THAT ENDANGER BIRDS BANDED BIRDS HANDLING BIRDS BIRD CALLS Chart 3. Bird on the Ground Chart 4. Bird Facts Chart 5. Renesting a Baby Bird (Nestling) Chart 6. Fledgling Calls Chart 7. Nest and Egg Questions ii

5 Chart 8. Duck and Goose Calls Chart 9. Other Frequently Asked Bird Questions MAMMAL RESCUE CARING FOR THE ANIMAL UNTIL IT IS TAKEN TO THE REHABILITATOR SMALL MAMMALS Squirrels Eastern Cottontails Opossums RABIES VECTOR SPECIES (RVS) Is it Rabid? When to Be Concerned and When Not to Be Concerned Raccoons Red and Gray Foxes Groundhogs (Woodchucks) Skunks Beavers Bats Coyotes LARGE MAMMALS Deer Chart 10: Summary of Mammal Milestones REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS PROPER HANDLING TECHNIQUES Snakes Amphibians (Frogs) Turtles NUISANCE WILDLIFE iii

6 Chart 11. General Principles in Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife Calls Chart 12. Avoiding Problems with Backyard Wildlife Chart 13. A Snapshot of Species Information Chart 14. Suggestions and Solutions for Common Situations ANIMALS DESTROYING (OR BEING SEEN IN) A YARD OR GARDEN Chart 15. Other Nuisance Situations DOMESTIC ANIMAL CALLS ESCAPED BIRDS APPENDIX A LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPENDIX B ZOONOTIC AND EMERGING DISEASES WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV) How can West Nile Virus infection be prevented? What do I do if I find a sick or dead bird that I think may be infected by WNV? APPENDIX C LOCAL AREA ANIMAL CONTROL AND WILDLIFE POLICIES ALEXANDRIA CITY ARLINGTON COUNTY FAIRFAX COUNTY FALLS CHURCH LOUDOUN COUNTY PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY TOWN OF VIENNA STATE-WIDE EMERGENCY ANIMAL HOSPITALS (OPEN 24 HOURS) APPENDIX D INTERNET SITES GOVERNMENT AGENCIES iv

7 Federal State General Wildlife REHABILITATOR LISTINGS WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES BIRDS MAMMALS Bats Squirrels Deer REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Box Turtles NUISANCE ISSUES DOMESTIC ANIMALS HUMANE SOCIETIES GENERAL DISEASES APPENDIX E WILDLIFE PROFILES CHIMNEY SWIFTS Identification Handling SQUIRRELS Description Habits Flying Squirrels BURROWING ANIMALS Groundhogs (Woodchucks) v

8 Skunks Opossums Deer vi

9 Introduction Thank you for volunteering to be a part of our wildlife helpline. The helpline has become a valued community resource, and we hope you enjoy your experience. It can be a great educational experience and very satisfying, but it can also be stressful at times. Our Mutual Contract As part of your orientation, you understand and agree to: study and apply the Commonwealth of Virginia and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regulations that are given to you. You will not act in violation of these statutes. For example, you: will not permit the public to keep wildlife illegally. will refer possible rabies exposure for professional assistance. will only refer injured and orphaned wildlife to rehabilitators who are properly licensed. apply the principles in this manual to the calls you receive, keeping the welfare of both the public and the animal in mind. In all cases, you will consider public safety of primary importance. You will apply the humane principles described in this manual or The Humane Society of the United States publications when dealing with wildlife situations. act as a part of a team and respect the other team members. The responsibilities of a good team member are: to work agreed shifts; start shifts timely and clean up calls during your shift. Make smooth handoffs from one shift to the next, making sure that you inform the next volunteer of any unresolved calls. To call for assistance if your call volume is too heavy or you have a question. to know and apply the information in this manual. Ask for help if you need it. to contact the helpline scheduler as soon as possible if you cannot work an agreed shift, so alternate arrangements can be made. Promptly let us know if your overall availability changes due to move, job change, etc. To reply to the helpline scheduler s request via to sign up for shifts or call the scheduler if you do not have . to stay informed about rehabilitator availability so that you make good referrals. commit to work a minimum of at least 6 months and to take at least two (2) shifts per month. WRL promises to make every effort to ensure that you are adequately trained, provided written materials, notified of changes promptly, and assisted by your support team (see contact information). 1

10 About the Helpline and What It Does The wildlife helpline is a community resource entirely funded by the non-profit, all-volunteer Wildlife Rescue League. It started in March 1997 with a few dedicated volunteers with the following objectives: Provide help to orphaned and injured wildlife Provide advice and guidance about wildlife to the public Support wildlife rehabilitators There is no wildlife center in Northern Virginia; therefore home-based volunteers working with a network of veterinarians do all wildlife rehabilitation. Before the wildlife helpline existed, lists of wildlife rehabilitators were updated once a year and distributed to animal control, nature centers, and veterinarians. These lists did not give detailed information about rehabilitator availability. In an effort to speed up the process of getting animals to rehabilitators or veterinarians, minimize the phone calls to rehabilitators, and quickly return kidnapped animals to the wild, the wildlife helpline attempts to be the front line of contact with the public. In addition, with experience, we have determined that there is a desperate need for advice and guidance that will resolve wildlife situations confronting the homeowner or renter, resulting in humane treatment of the wildlife. Finally, the helpline gets many non-wildlife phone calls because of the lack of other community resources, or because the public is not able to find the appropriate resource. We try to help as many of these as possible by referring them to an appropriate source of assistance. As urban development continues, the number of calls increases. Most calls are, directly or indirectly, the result of increasing interaction between humans and wildlife trying to occupy the same small spaces. The most frequent reasons for calls are: wildlife orphans. You will need to determine whether these are true orphans or if they have been kidnapped and need to be returned to the wild. You will need to be able to talk people through renesting techniques when there is doubt. wildlife disturbed or injured, particularly by humans and domestic animals. The single most frequent cause of wildlife injury and death is hit by car, followed by pursuance by cats. It is important to be knowledgeable about cats and their effects on the wildlife population so that in addition to assisting the injured wildlife, you can educate the caller to prevent future cat injuries. wildlife causing concern in the neighborhood by its behavior. These calls are the most difficult and stressful because you need to try to understand the caller s concerns while assessing the situation and making appropriate recommendations. There are frequently emotional aspects of these calls. 2

11 Helpline/Transporter Subcommittee The Helpline/Transporter Subcommittee has overall responsibility to ensure that the helpline operates well: Works with the volunteer coordinator to recruit volunteers. Trains volunteers. Develops a monthly helpline schedule. Tracks rehabilitator availability. Maintains helpline manual. Updates helpline recordings, both for the public and for the volunteers. Uses mailouts, recordings, and the internal website to keep volunteers informed. Works with the Communication Committee to generate community awareness of the helpline and to identify community educational needs. Mailout Coordinator The mailout coordinator has all the fact sheets and brochures that we have, plus all chapters of the HSUS book Wild Neighbors. When you need specific material mailed to a caller, contact the mailout coordinator to send it out. However if the caller wants bulk copies of our material for some reason, or additional materials that the mailout coordinator would not have, please have them call and leave a message in Mailbox 7. 3

12 Chart 1. Your Responsibilities as a Helpline Volunteer Before your first shift Listen to the recorded messages on the public helpline number ( ) so you know what the public is being told. Whenever you receive updates via mail or As soon as you know that you might be unable to work your shift At the beginning of your shift During your shift At the end of your shift By the 25th of each month Whenever scheduled Practice operating the phone/voic system. Get someone to record messages for you to retrieve, save, etc. Do this before or after regular helpline hours. Update your materials. Stay organized and timely! Do not keep or use outdated materials and referral lists. If you have questions contact the Helpline Coordinator. Let the Helpline Coordinator know so that a substitute can be found. Check for new and saved messages in main and sub-mailboxes. Write down any rehabilitation updates and leave a message with your date/shift/name. Check messages at least every 30 minutes; every 15 during busy seasons. Refer to your reference material when in doubt. Call for assistance immediately if calls start backing up (more than 30 minutes behind) or you need help with a question/problem. Ask questions if you don t know something! Return every call that needs to be returned. Make sure all saved resolved messages are cleared out. If a question is unresolved, either save that message and inform the next helpline volunteer or leave a message with details for the next shift. Delete the message you left at the beginning of your shift. Leave a message for the next shift about any unresolved issues and status of transport. At the end of the month, complete your call count log and it to the helpline coordinator. Contact Wendy Bader to make your schedule commitments for the following month. She will you a reminder. Once the interactive calendar is up and running you can input your own schedule and make changes as needed. Whenever possible attend volunteer meetings, WRL membership meetings or training sessions that will help you improve your knowledge about wildlife. 4

13 General Operating Principles This is a voic system. You have the advantage of hearing the situation and judging the emotional level of the caller, and doing some research before you call back. You also have the caller s phone number if you need to follow up later. Keep a written log of calls. Keep it in case a question (possible rabies exposure, violation of Migratory Bird Treaty Act, caller doesn t deliver the animal) should arise. This data is also used for grant applications and public outreach. Prioritize your calls for callback. In general, oldest calls should be returned first. However, calls about injured and orphaned animals always take priority over question about wildlife, general information, or non-wildlife calls. If a child calls, ask to speak to an adult. Try to answer the question yourself unless it really needs to go to a rehabilitator. However, sometimes callers need to hear an answer from a second person (such as leaving a fledgling alone or turning over an orphaned animal) before they believe it, so giving a rehabber s info is also ok. They deal with the public and would rather know of the animal in question than not. When making a rehabilitator referral, give the rehabilitator s name and phone # to the caller. Give one name at a time. Do not call the Rehabber yourself. Make sure that you give the best possible source (if it s 10 AM and the call is about an injured animal, don t give out the number of someone who works until 6 PM!). Ask the caller to try and then wait for two hours, and to call you or the helpline back if contact is not made in 2 hours. Make sure the caller knows where (in general) the rehabilitator is located. You can start by saying: The closest rehabilitator to you that handles that species is in...(fairfax, Alexandria, etc.). Alternatively, you can give the caller a choice of 2 locations to pick the one most convenient to the caller; usually a 24 hr vet is the closest. We have several that help us. Refer to veterinarians and animal shelters sparingly, and as a last resort. If the animal is very obviously injured, particularly after regular hours, the emergency veterinary hospitals are very helpful. Certain veterinary hospitals will routinely accept wildlife for certain rehabilitators (see your referral list.) In general, sending an animal to a shelter or veterinarian may delay its treatment and may require arranging a transporter later. Most veterinarians on our list take wildlife free of charge; we don t want to inundate them. The caller needs to catch, contain, and transport the animal (except for adult mammals and large birds). Exceptions should be rare; however waterfowl, vultures, herons should be referred to Buck Taylor for possible capture and transport. You arrange transportation from animal shelters and veterinarians when necessary. Always explain safe capture, handling, and containment. Always stress proper holding conditions (warm, dark, QUIET no food or water). 5

14 Closing Out Your Shift Delete all completed messages except the ones the next volunteer must hear. If there are unresolved messages saved for the next volunteer, leave a new message in the main mailbox 9. If you promised to mail out additional information (either species information or Wildlife Rescue League information), contact the mailout coordinator. Call the next shift volunteer to discuss any questions or problems. Leave a contact number in case there is a followup after your shift. Give the Volunteer Coordinator names and phone numbers for anyone who is interested in volunteering, joining, donating, arranging an educational program, etc. IMPORTANT Fill out WRL Data Sheet which can be found on the calendar webpage. Note: or mail the sheets to Doug Brown every 1-2 months at bugdrown@cox.net. At the end of each month complete the monthly call count sheet and to bugdrown@cox.net. Dealing with the Public Most callers to the wildlife helpline are individuals who are genuinely concerned about wildlife and trying to do the right thing. They may not understand wildlife behavior, may have the wrong expectation of the helpline (may think that we work for the government, routinely rescue and transport, or will give them treatment and care instructions). It is important to remember their frame of reference, treat them with respect, and to remember that not every caller will have the same devotion to preserving wildlife that our volunteers have. Recognizing their frame of reference is an important factor in reaching a satisfactory resolution of the call. 6

15 How to Work the Phone System The voic system has a main mailbox and eight sub-mailboxes. Submailboxes give specific information to callers (for instance, fawns are often left alone in the daytime by their mothers... ). If you hear hangups in a mailbox, it is usually because they are going to follow these instructions. To Do This: The procedure is: The system response: Check rehabilitator availability and other info. Dial At the voice, press * and 1234 (passcode). It will tell you how many messages, new and saved, are in the mailbox. The system will then immediately play the messages. Pre-recorded announcements on rehabilitator availability, unresolved issues, etc. Tip: Do this before your shift begins. Access the WRL mailbox Listen to new messages in main mailbox Find out which submailboxes have new messages Access messages in submailboxes Note: never delete a message unless it is out of date or moot. Dial At the voice, press * and 1234 (passcode) At the end of each message, press 1 to replay, 2 to save, or 3 to delete. Tip: If you hang up or press * while listening to a message, it will stay as a new message. After pressing * during the message, or after listening to all messages, press 8 Press 7 followed by passcode for mailbox. The voice will notify you whether there are any new messages in the main or submailboxes. It will not tell you about saved messages in the submailboxes. Caution: Don t get too anxious and hang up if the voice says you have no new messages Wait until it is through, as there may be new messages in the submailboxes. Tip: Do not go to submailboxes until you have listened to the main mailbox messages. Tip: Messages are not really deleted until you hang up. If you delete something in error, wait until you have listened to all the messages in the mailbox. Then press 1 and it will be replayed and can then be saved. Tip: You can rewind a message 5 seconds by pressing 7 or pause it 20 seconds by pressing 8. Tip: If you have heard the message before, you can press 2 to pass it or 3 to delete it while it is still playing. Will announce which submailboxes have new messages. Tip: Write these mailbox #s down. Will prompt you to access new messages using exactly the same commands as main mailbox. 7

16 Passcodes: Mailbox 1: 1110 Mailbox 2: 2220 Mailbox 3: 3330 Mailbox 4: 4440 Mailbox 5: 5550 Mailbox 6: 6660 Mailbox 7: 7770 Mailbox 8: 8880 Tip: It is up to you whether to save messages. You may wish to save them until they are resolved, then delete. However, if you listen to each message twice and carefully write down the phone number, you do not need to save the message. If you do save them, you must go back at the end of your shift and go through all mailboxes, erasing resolved saved messages. Tip: If you get lost in the phone system, try pressing 0 for automated help, or * to return to the main menu. If this does not work, just hang up and start over. To send a message, either press 2 after the last message is played, or press *, then 2 during a message. then enter a mailbox number (use 9 for main mailbox). Press # then record your message then press the # sign again, followed by 1 to send it. If you don t press 1, the message will not be sent. Or you may leave a message by calling the public access number, and pressing #. When you are through recording, press 1 to send (2 to listen back, or 3 to rerecord) or just hang up. This works for short messages only. CAUTION: It takes a few minutes for an incoming message to show up in the mailbox. If you have the last shift of the day, please check in about 5 minutes after the official helpline closing time to pick up any last minute messages. 8

17 Wildlife Laws You Should Know and Apply Please refer to Appendix A for more information about Federal, State and local jurisdiction laws. Note: The only exceptions to the following laws are European starlings, pigeons, and English (house) sparrows. However, because we follow humane wildlife guidelines we also attempt to rescue and protect these birds. Although wildlife law is fairly complex, the most important regulation to be aware of is fairly short and sweet: Under authority of and of the Code of Virginia it shall be unlawful to take, possess, import, cause to be imported, export, cause to be exported, buy, sell, offer for sale, or liberate within the Commonwealth any wild animal unless otherwise specifically permitted by law or regulation. Take means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, possess or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Possession is the exercise of control of any wild animal, wild bird, fish or fur-bearing animal, or any part of the carcass thereof. In other words, assume a particular wildlife activity, purpose, or use is illegal unless it is specifically authorized or the person has a permit issued by the County, State, or Federal government. It s up to the caller to determine whether or not the activity is authorized! To get their questions answered they can ask the local animal warden or the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Clearly this means that callers cannot: 1. Trap or kill native wild animals unless they have a permit from their local animal warden, a fishing or hunting license and are complying with those laws, or have been given a permit from the US Department of Agriculture APHIS-ADC (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control) to eradicate a nuisance animal population. 2. Keep native wild animals as pets. This applies to mammals and birds, although reptiles up to five per species are exempted (we still discourage collection of native reptiles). Non- releasable animals may be kept for educational purposes under restrictive permits issued by the State and either the US Department of Agriculture (mammals) or US Fish & Wildlife Service (birds). 3. Rehabilitate wild animals without a license. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) must issue the license and, in addition, to rehabilitate most birds a license must be issued by US Fish & Wildlife Service. 4. Release any wild animal into the wild except through a licensed rehabilitator; release any exotic animal into the wild. (An exotic is a non-native species such as a ferret, prairie dog, sugar glider, nonnative reptile, or exotic bird. The State and local jurisdictions govern the sale, purchase, and ownership of exotics. In Fairfax County, for instance, it is illegal to own exotic pets except for some reptiles, birds, ferrets, etc.) The Lacey Act (federal) restricts the interstate transport of birds and other animals if they were illegally taken. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other federal laws protect native and migratory birds, their eggs, and occupied nests. Although these laws are complex, we interpret them simply to mean that birds and their eggs must not be disturbed unless the birds are orphaned or injured. The only birds that are not protected by Federal law, because they are considered introduced species, are: 9

18 1. Pigeons 2. European starlings 3. English sparrows. (However, there are many different species of sparrows and it is not safe to make a determination that it is a non-protected species over the phone.) What does this mean for wildlife rehabilitators and the helpline? 1. Referrals for rehabilitation are only made to licensed wildlife rehabilitators. 2. It is okay to make referrals of injured wildlife to veterinarians for veterinary treatment; however, the animal must then be turned over to a licensed rehabilitator for recuperative care. The veterinarian should not give the animal back to the member of the public who brought it in-they usually know this. 3. Rescuers and transporters of wildlife, whether a member of the public or a WRL volunteer transporter, are considered working under the direction of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. 4. A member of the public is not allowed to keep a native wild animal to raise, treat, release, or as a pet. If they refuse to turn it over, you must contact the Helpline Coordinator or the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) for further action. 5. If there is evidence of poisoning of any mammals or birds, it should be reported to VDGIF and for birds also to US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). Although USFWS will not prosecute poisonings of pigeons, starlings, and English sparrows, they want to know about it because of the high likelihood that other protected species will also be poisoned in the process. 6. If an animal is trapped by either by an individual or a humane pest control company, by Virginia law, the animal must be released on the individual s property or euthanized. It cannot be transported to a different location. The only exceptions are orphans and injured wildlife, which must be taken to a rehabilitator or animal shelter. Contact the Helpline Coordinator or rehabilitator any time you are concerned there may be a violation of wildlife laws. When A Caller Is Reluctant to Turn the Baby Over: Occasionally the caller will be looking for feeding/care tips and intends to raise the baby. In many cases, the caller does not realize that is against the law and will turn the animal over when it is explained. In some cases, the caller is not concerned about the law and has no intention of turning the animal over to a rehabilitator. If that is the case, you can try some of these arguments with them. If these arguments do not work, have a rehabilitator call them and, if necessary, report them to VDGIF to have the animal confiscated and brought to a rehabilitator. Do not do this for starlings, pigeons, or house sparrows. Talk to the Helpline Coordinator about this first. Remember: you have the phone number, and the person can be traced through that. 1. Baby birds and animals need to be raised with others of their particular species and age in order to properly develop socially and learn survival techniques. Many times a surrogate mother can be provided to help them learn the survival techniques. 10

19 2. Each species has totally different nutritional needs and babies must be fed frequently, some as often as every hour. 3. By law, veterinarians may treat only wildlife that is brought in by or going to a licensed rehabilitator. RVS are usually not treated at a vet s office-have the public contact an RVS rehabber ONLY. 4. Most wild animals do not do well in captivity and will spend their time trying to escape. (Cottontails are not like domestic rabbits and will simply die in captivity.) If they are allowed freedom in a house, they will be very destructive (chewing, eliminating, etc.). According to animal shelter sources, sixty percent of all wild animals who are kept as pets die within the first month of ownership; of the remainder, 20 percent die within the first year, and only 10 percent are still alive by the end of the second year. 5. An animal that is not properly rehabilitated, or transitioned to the wild, is doomed if it is turned loose to fend for itself. 6. Many wild animals carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans or domestic animals through feces or other means. Reptiles (like turtles and even pet iguanas) in particular carry salmonella, which can cause diarrhea and fever, and can be life-threatening to children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. After you have talked to the person, if you are not confident that he/she will call the rehabilitator and turn the animal over, contact the rehabilitator and provide the person s name and phone number for followup. Do not do this for starlings, pigeons, or house sparrows. Can you tell me what to feed it? What should I give it until I can get it to a rehabilitator? Giving a dehydrated, emaciated, or injured animal food or water can actually kill it. Tell the caller to not give it food or water until a rehabilitator can assess the animal s condition. The animal should be delivered to a rehabilitator or veterinarian as quickly as possible. Putting the animal in a covered box in a warm, dark, quiet place will reduce its stress level and need for food. Additionally, if feeding instructions are given, it may slow down or even stop the rescue process. The caller may decide to keep the animal and not get it to a rehabilitator right away. The person may even become attached to the animal and try to rehabilitate it. When an untrained person tries to rehabilitate an animal, the animal is usually extremely ill when it finally gets to a rehabilitator, if it does not die first. Can I get the animal back when it is ready to be released? Generally animals are released by the rehabilitator or from established release sites, where they can get a soft release with food, water, and housing provided as long as they need them. Occasionally, with some species that mate for life (Canada geese, cardinals) we will attempt to return them to their original home, if possible, so they can rejoin their mates; likewise for social or territorial birds/animals it is important to return them to their home territory if possible. All reptiles and amphibians should be returned to their original home. It is illegal for the rehabilitator to turn wildlife over to an unlicensed individual. 11

20 Zoonotic Diseases Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from wildlife to humans. Some of the diseases can be fatal. Rabies is the most serious zoonotic disease. For more information about zoonotic and emerging diseases, see Appendix B. At this time, West Nile Virus is included in Appendix B because relevant information is changing rapidly. It is both a zoonotic and emerging disease. Rabies Rabies is a disease of the central nervous system. It is a zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to humans) viral disease. The virus can be found in domestic animals (including cows) and wild animals. Once symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is invariably fatal to animals and humans and there is no rabies cure. However, prompt post-exposure shots are effective in stopping the development of the disease. Potential exposures human If you get a call in which there is the slightest question of a human rabies exposure, advise the caller to wash the exposed area thoroughly with antibacterial soap or detergent and water, or even just flush with water. The caller should then contact their Public Health Officer for professional advice. Although they may also contact their doctor, many doctors are not particularly familiar with rabies. You may be able, in some cases, to allay their fears, particularly if a bite was in a low-risk situation (for instance, rodent that they or their pet had cornered), but if the exposure is from a high-risk species, you must not take responsibility. You also need to be familiar with the CDC information on potential exposures from bats (see following chart) and advise callers or refer to a rehabilitator if a potential exposure has occurred. Remember that even if rabies is not likely, tetanus is always a possibility from a bite and the caller should make sure their tetanus shot is current. There is also the possibility of bacterial infection from an animal bite. Potential exposures pets If the caller s pet has been bitten or attacked, has fought with or is exposed to a wild animal, advise the caller to: 1. Call the pet away from the animal. 2. Confine the wild animal, if possible, without touching it or exposing themselves. 3. Prevent exposure to saliva from an open wound, by not handling, petting, touching, or examining their dog or cat for at least two hours following the fight. If they must handle the pet, they should wear heavy gloves and/or be sure to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water. They should then contact their doctor or health department to determine if they have been exposed. 4. Contact Animal Control immediately. 12

21 High, low, and no risk rabies species Technically, any warm blooded animal (including humans) can get and transmit rabies. There have been no naturally-occurring incidences (only laboratory-induced) of rabies in birds, and very few in lagomorphs (cottontails) and rodents (squirrels, mice, voles, moles, rats). The risk factor is very small in these animals. Reptiles and amphibians are cold-blooded and cannot carry rabies. There are mammals, called rabies vector species (RVS) or high risk species which have a somewhat higher risk for rabies. The RVS mammals include raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, and groundhogs (woodchucks). There have also been several cases of rabies in beavers. There is a short period before a rabid animal shows symptoms when it is infectious and can spread the disease. Therefore, an animal with no symptoms must nevertheless be treated with caution. If an individual is bitten by a high-risk mammal, the animal, if captured, must be turned over to local Animal Control and tested for rabies. The only way to test for rabies is to euthanize the animal, cut the head off and examine the brain tissue. The person needs to consult a physician if bit by a mammal, and a veterinarian if their dog or cat has been bitten. How can I tell normal behavior in a rabies vector species from possible rabies? Understanding normal animal behavior, environmental conditions, and public fears is important to making a determination of whether an animal is potentially showing symptoms of rabies. It is impossible to make an absolute determination without testing the animal, so it is best to explain risks rather than absolutes. Remember that distressed callers may not even be giving you an accurate description of the situation. When nocturnal animals (raccoons, skunks, opossums, or foxes) are seen in the daylight, people should not be concerned unless the animal s behavior is abnormal. When animals lose their den (i.e. are evicted from dens under porches, sheds, attics or the natural habitat has been destroyed) these animals will be out during the day seeking new dens. Lactating females will search for food during the day when the infants are asleep. Young and inexperienced wild animals will come out during the day until they become more aware of dangerous situations and follow the normal food foraging route during the night. They may even compete with household pets for food if it is left outside. If a caller is describing aggressive behavior toward a pet in the yard, clarify whether they are actually fighting or instead competing for food. If the food is brought inside but the animal continues to hang around and acts aggressive, there is cause for concern. (Of course, if actual contact or fighting took place, this is definitely a potential rabies exposure.) Also, in times of drought, animals may seem unusually friendly or come close to homes because they are searching for food and water sources. Certain other habits, such as nesting in a chimney or attic, are also normal behavior, particularly in baby season or extremes of weather. Nesting behavior is not a sign of rabies. Sarcoptic mange, particularly in foxes, may cause abnormal behavior as the animal is literally itching to death; it is so miserable that it may be frenzied and scratching, and may be starving as a result. This behavior is often confused with rabies symptoms. One sign of mange is a very patchy-looking coat. Sarcoptic mange can be transmitted to pets, especially dogs. Abnormal behavior may take any number of forms, including lethargy, stupor, falling over, walking around in tight circles, aimless wandering, unexplained aggression toward pets or humans, eye or nose discharge, biting itself, convulsing, and partial or complete rear paralysis (often mistaken for an injured 13

22 leg or hindquarters). Some of these symptoms occur with other non-zoonotic (not transmissible to humans) diseases including distemper and encephalitis. Distemper is always fatal to the animal. If there is any possibility that the animal is sick (as opposed to injured), the helpline volunteer should attempt to call one of the rabies vector rehabilitators and have them make the callback (rather than referring the caller to a rehabber and asking them to wait for two hours for a callback). If you cannot reach one of these people within minutes, advise the caller that it is their decision whether to call the local animal control/animal shelter to come out. (Do not mention that the animal will probably be euthanized if it is captured by animal control.) If the animal is obviously injured, rather than sick, it should be handled as a normal rehabilitator call. However, you should advise the caller not to handle the animal since there is a short period of time when an RVS mammal can have rabies but not show symptoms. If a rabies vector species has come into contact with a human or domestic animal, callers should be advised to seek medical/veterinary advice immediately. If a human was bitten, they must notify Animal Control immediately. Remember that most animal control officers are not looking to capture and euthanize wildlife. If they approach an animal that runs away from them they consider that fairly normal behavior and they will let it go (unless an exposure has occurred); if the animal stays put, approaches, or is aggressive, they do not consider that normal behavior. Distemper is usually fatal to the animal, though a rehabilitator can successfully treat the animal. Preventing rabies exposure Animals that are under stress, feel threatened or are cornered, will bite as their primary means of defense. That is why it is important proper rescue techniques are followed. Rescuers for adult mammals should wear heavy gloves or use a pole, net, or a live trap. Generally, we advise callers to get professional advice or assistance (rehabilitator or animal control) before capturing adult mammals. When necessary, a shovel, box, trashcan, or net can be used to contain the animal, or it can be lured into the garage and contained. More information on rescue techniques is included in later sections of this manual. CDC Rabies Information The following information is taken directly from the Centers for Disease Control rabies information web page. The current web page URL is listed in Appendix D. 14

23 Chart 2. CDC Rabies Information Human Rabies How do people get rabies? People usually get exposed to rabies through the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound. Can I get rabies in any way other than an animal bite? Although occasional reports of transmission by non-bite exposure suggest that such exposures constitute sufficient reason to initiate post-exposure prophylaxis (rabies shots) under some circumstances, non-bite exposures rarely cause rabies. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures. Other contact, such as petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine or feces (e.g., guano) of a rabid animal, does not constitute an exposure and is not an indication for prophylaxis. How soon after an exposure should I seek medical attention? Medical assistance should be obtained as soon as possible after an exposure. There have been no vaccine failures in the United States (i.e., someone developed rabies) when post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was given promptly and appropriately after an exposure. Wild Animals What animals get rabies? Any mammal can get rabies. The most common wild reservoirs of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. Feral animals, especially feral cats, are local sources of rabies. Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats, cattle, and dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animals in the United States. What is the risk of rabies from squirrels, mice, rats, and other rodents? Small rodents (such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and chipmunks), and lagomorphs (such as rabbits and hares) are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to cause rabies among humans in the United States. Bites by these animals are usually not considered a risk of rabies unless the animal was sick or behaving in an unusual manner and rabies is widespread in your area. However, from 1985 through 1994, woodchucks accounted for 86% of the 368 cases of rabies among rodents reported to CDC. Woodchucks or groundhogs (Marmota monax) are the only rodents that may be frequently submitted to a state health department because of a suspicion of rabies. In all cases involving rodents, the state or local health department should be consulted before a decision is made to initiate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). 15

24 Bats and Rabies Do bats get rabies? Yes. Bats are mammals and are susceptible to rabies, but most do not have the disease. You cannot tell if a bat has rabies just by looking at it; rabies can be confirmed only by having the animal tested in a laboratory. To minimize the risk for rabies, it is best never to handle any bat. What should I do if I come in contact with a bat? If you are bitten by a bat -- or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound -- wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately. Whenever possible, the bat should be captured and sent to a laboratory for rabies testing. People usually know when they have been bitten by a bat. However, because bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, there are situations in which you should seek medical advice even in the absence of an obvious bite wound. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your room, see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or see a bat near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person, seek medical advice and have the bat tested. People cannot get rabies just from seeing a bat in an attic, in a cave, or at a distance. In addition, people cannot get rabies from having contact with bat guano (feces), blood, or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur (even though bats should never be handled!). What should I do if I find a bat in my home? If you see a bat in your home and you are sure no human or pet exposure has occurred, confine the bat to a room by closing all doors and windows leading out of the room except those to the outside. The bat will probably leave soon. If not, it can be caught, as described below, and released outdoors away from people and pets. However, if there is any question of exposure, leave the bat alone and call animal control or a wildlife conservation agency for assistance. If professional assistance is unavailable, use precautions to capture the bat safely, as described below. What you will need: leather work gloves (put them on); small box or coffee can; piece of cardboard; tape. When the bat lands, approach it slowly and place a box or coffee can over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside. Tape the cardboard to the container securely. Contact your health department or animal control authority to make arrangements for rabies testing. How can I tell if a bat has rabies? Rabies can be confirmed only in a laboratory. However, any bat that is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen (for example in rooms in your home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly, is far more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often the most easily approached. Therefore, it is best never to handle any bat. What do I do if I find a lethargic bat during the winter? These are usually bats woken from hibernation by a warm spell. See the section on bats in the mammal chapter. 16

25 Does it need to be rescued? General rule: If you can approach the animal as though to make contact, and the animal does not run away, then something is wrong. (Very young birds and mammals cannot run away and those situations need to be carefully assessed.) Words and phrases that indicate the animal needs rescuing: Flies, worms, mites, or maggot infestation* Caught by a cat** Visible external unhealed injuries Parent known dead or separated and cannot be reunited Renesting/ reuniting was attempted and was unsuccessful Severe trauma (collision with car, long fall) Very cold Very thin and/or very weak Caught by a dog Bird struck window Begging or following behavior toward humans/ domestic animals Where should the animal go: To rehabilitator right away! To rehabilitator unless carried gently in mouth only. For cottontails, see cottontail section. Keep for two hours in warm dark quiet place unless visible injury; attempt release. To rehabilitator if not successful. To rehabilitator unless this is habituation or nest protection * If flies are seen around animals, check animals for fly (maggot) eggs. The eggs are pale yellow and are laid in clumps on the flesh or in the feathers. They look like rice or grain. If there are fly eggs, refer immediately to a rehabilitator. Minutes can make a difference. ** Cats can cause invisible puncture wounds. Must be treated within 24 hours with antibiotics. Death rate of cat-caught birds is still over 90%. 17

26 Yes, It Needs to Be Rescued Now What? Except when dealing with adult mammals, very large birds or certain reptiles, the caller should be expected to contain the animal needing assistance and transport it. All wildlife can carry zoonotic diseases (that can be transmitted to humans) so it is wise to take precautions. Zoonotic diseases are not easily transmitted as long as common sense is used (such as wearing gloves and long sleeves or handling the animal with a towel). A Word about Animal Control No two animal control jurisdictions do the same thing; differences are primarily due to funding. A few jurisdictions will pick up injured wildlife if it is contained. Using animal control for pickup is a last resort because getting the animal to a rehabilitator will be delayed and a driver must be found to pick the animal up at the shelter. Some jurisdictions will rescue animals that are not contained. Some have no wildlife programs at all, and will not respond to wildlife calls unless there is a threat to public safety. See Appendix C for a brief description of the various jurisdictions, their policies, and their capabilities. Capture and Handling The League does not officially make house calls, is not in the removal business, and actually does not rescue (the name is a little misleading). Using protective gear, individuals can capture and contain orphaned wildlife and small birds and mammals. The public should not attempt to handle large adult mammals, large birds (geese, raptors, herons), reptiles (except small turtles) or juvenile/adult RVS species. Local Animal Control may be able to assist in these situations. If in doubt, refer the party to a rehabilitator for advice only. Do not leave the impression the rehabilitator will come out. Stress this. Suggest that the caller get the help of neighbors, a handyman, etc. if the situation is one he/she does not feel comfortable with. All baby animals should be handled with at least thin latex gloves or garden gloves and adults with heavy-duty gloves because of the possibility of parasites or diseases being transmitted. Although birds have no sense of smell, mammals have a keen sense of smell and it is wise to avoid human scent if renesting is being attempted. Hands should always be washed after handling animals. All animals, except young babies, will perceive the human rescuer as a predator and will suffer considerable stress during the rescue process. Small birds and mammals may be handled by throwing a light towel (hand or dishtowel) over them. If the bird is stressed by the rescuer s approach, the towel can be held in front of the human as a cover until it is thrown over the animal. Once the animal is in the dark and remains there, it will become much calmer. Adult and juvenile mammals will bite if cornered. Care must be taken when capturing them. A bite from a frightened mammal may mean a death sentence for it as it may need to be tested for rabies. To capture larger animals and birds, use a large, heavy towel such as a beach towel folded double or triple, or a padded jacket. Animals generally will be calmed when placed in a dark environment. In many circumstances, dampening the towel first adds weight and makes it even more secure when placed over the animal. If a baby is without feathers/fur, or is cold, provide it with immediate warmth by wrapping it loosely in some soft material (without strings) and placing it beside your throat near the collarbone until it is warmer. Then it can be placed in a warm place (see containment instructions) until it can be taken to a rehabilitator. 18