Maybe It's Babies Not Rabies!

The birds are chirping, the squirrels are frolicking, spring has sprung and the phone at Stratford Animal Control is ringing off the hook!  As the weather warms and everybody comes to life, humans and animals alike, one of the the most frequent calls that we receive this time of year are residents with questions regarding wildlife.

First, just to make things clear, Stratford Animal Control is a division of the Police Department and it is our responsibility to ensure public safety and to enforce all laws pertaining to animals. We are not licensed to handle pest control issues but if an animal appears to be sick or injured we will respond to ensure your safety and make sure the animal is not suffering. Animals that are not considered an immediate threat and are causing a nuisance can be handled by a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO).

If wildlife is becoming a nuisance make sure you have removed all sources of food, your garbage can is secured and you have inspected your house and property for open or deteriorated areas that wildlife may find and inhabit. To learn humane determent methods you can call the Fund for Animals Wildlife Hotline at 203-393-1050 for advice.

The Town of Stratford is lucky to be home to many species of wildlife that include coyote, squirrels, fox, opossums, cottontail rabbits, bats, deer and many different types of birds, just to name a few. With the continuing development of land and the ever increasing loss of  natural habitat this is now a normal part of our landscape. This is a very active time of year for wildlife as they are tending to their young and raising their families.

Often times, distressed residents call Animal Control and tell us  "there is a raccoon in my yard and it's daylight," or that "there is a baby bird on the ground," or "there is a fawn in the grass" among many other questions. These residents are concerned for the safety of themselves, their children, their domestic pets and for the welfare of the animal in question.

Don't panic! Baby birds (fledglings) learn to fly from the ground up and often will be left there all day. Don't worry, Mom is usually watching nearby.

Although animals such as raccoons are nocturnal that just means their most active times are before dawn and after sunset. It does not mean they do not come out during the day and as a matter of fact they are often seen sunning themselves on peoples decks, snoozing in trees or foraging for food which many times includes your garbage can or bird feeder.

The most important thing you can do is to never attempt touch these animals, make sure your domestic pets are currently vaccinated for rabies and that they are never left unattended.

A cat or dog that is not vaccinated for rabies and has a wound stemming from a conflict with wildlife may be quarantined for six months at a facility at the owners expense or the State of Connecticut advises owners to humanely euthanize these pets.

In addition, children are oftentimes naturally curious about animals and should be taught to never to approach a wild animal, only observe from a distance and contact an adult immediately if an animal is acting strange.

The State of Connecticut DEP Wildlife Division states that "wild animals often leave their young unattended for several hours or more. Be aware that animals thought to be orphans may not need your assistance. Do not intervene unless you are certain that the animal is orphaned, it is obviously injured or it is in immediate danger.

If you suspect that an animal is orphaned, watch from a distance for a minimum of several hours and attempt to reunite the orphan with its mother. If an animal appears to be sick, it may not be safe to handle it!

If an animal is stumbling, staggering, walking in circles, dragging a limb or the hind end, or if it is acting strangely (approaching people or pets in an aggressive manner) never attempt to handle the animal. Call your local Animal Control Officer, Police Department or DEP Dispatch (860-424-3333) immediately to get assistance.

For the most part, if wildlife is left alone to go about their business they will leave you alone as well. That being said, these are wild animals and if they feel threatened they will defend themselves and one most always use common sense and caution. 

I have only touched upon a few concerns and resolutions regarding wildlife but have included some resources at the end of this post. Most importantly, public safety comes first. Anytime you see a sick or injured animal or have a question pertaining to wildlife please do not hesitate to call Stratford Animal Control at 203-385-4068. And lastly, don't forget to enjoy the beauty that nature's creatures have to offer.

CONNECTICUT DEP WILDLIFE DIVISION

CONNECTICUT WILDLIFE FACT SHEETS

HOW TO BECOME A WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR IN CONNECTICUT

LICENSED NUISANCE WILDLIFE CONTROL OPERATORS (NWCO'S) IN CONNECTICUT

LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS