I FOUND A BABY MAMMAL

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I FOUND A BABY OPOSSUM

Between two and four months of age, baby opossums exit their mother’s pouch and ride on her back. After four months, they become independent of their mother and go off on their own. To determine if an opossum needs care, ask these questions:

  1. Is the animal injured (bleeding, broken bones, wounds, deformity, etc.)?

    • If YES, call the SBWCNHelpline: (805) 681-1080

    • If NO, go to question #2.

  2. How big is the opossum?

    • If the opossum is at least 8 inches long from the nose to the base of the body (not including the tail), they are old enough to survive on their own and do not need human intervention.

    • If the opossum is under 7 inches long, call the SBWCN Helpline.


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I FOUND A NEST OF BUNNIES

Bunnies are one of the most frequently “kidnapped” mammal species. Rabbit mothers dig a very shallow nest in the ground that is easily uncovered when mowing or raking the yard. If you find a rabbit nest, the best thing to do is leave it alone.

No mom around? Do not worry. Mother rabbits only return to the nest two or three times a day, usually before dawn and right after dusk.

To determine if they are orphaned, either place a string across the nest in a tic-tac-toe shape or circle the nest with flour. Check the nest the next day. If the string or flour is disturbed, the mother has returned. If not, call the SBWCN Helpline .

A bunny that is bright-eyed and 4-5 inches long is fully independent and does NOT need to be rescued! If you find a bunny that’s in an unsafe area (in the road, in a house) put it in a dark, quiet location, like under a shrub. Bunnies are a prey species and while they may look calm, they are actually very scared. 

If a bunny is visibly injured, sick, or definitely orphaned, call the SBWCN Helpline: (805) 681-1080.

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I FOUND A BABY SKUNK

If you see a baby skunk without a mother, it might not need any help! Juvenile skunks will often go on walks with their siblings during the day without the supervision of their mother and then return to the den at night.

If you see a skunk that is about six inches long (the length of a dollar bill) or with other, similar-sized skunks, it is most likely a baby that is exploring and will return home at dusk.

If you see a skunk that is alone, unsteady on their feet, looks confused, or is going in circles, please call the SBWCN Helpline.

Do not touch or handle skunks. Do not allow contact with pets or children. These animals are rabies vector species and can be dangerous.

Call the SBWCN Helpline: (805) 681-1080 or Santa Barbara County Animal Services: (805) 681-5285

MORE BABY MAMMAL GUIDES

+ I found an injured mammal

Anytime an animal is visibly injured (blood, wounds, broken limbs, etc.) call the SBWCN Helpline: (805) 681-1080. If there are no visible injuries, use the guides below.

+ I found a marine mammal

Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) is the organization who rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals From CIMWI’s website:

  • Do not touch or harass an injured or stranded wild marine animal
  • Stay 50 feet away from the animal at all times
  • Determine the exact location of the animal. Being accurate is important and making note of prominent landmarks is helpful
  • Call the CIMWI Hotline (805) 567-1505

+ I found a baby squirrel

If the eyes are open:

Is the tail full and fluffy? Is it mobile?

  • If yes: leave alone; it’s old enough to be on its own.

  • If no: put back in nest if possible or at base of tree in open box with heat, monitor for mom to return for a few hours. If mom doesn’t return, call SBWCN.

If the eyes are closed:

  • Put back in nest if possible or at base of tree in open box with heat, monitor for mom to return for a few hours. If mom doesn’t return, call SBWCN.

+ I found a baby rodent species

If the eyes are open:

Is it mobile and fully furred?

  • If yes: leave alone; it’s old enough to be on its own.

  • If no: put back in nest if possible. If there’s no nest, call SBWCN.

If the eyes are closed:

  • Put back in nest if possible. If there’s no nest, call SBWCN.

+ I found a baby raccoon, skunk, fox, bobcat, coyote, bear, or mountain lion

Do not touch with bare hands. Do not allow contact with pets or children. These animals are rabies vector species and can be dangerous. Call the SBWCN Helpline: (805) 681-1080 or Santa Barbara County Animal Services: (805) 681-5285