Finding Wildlife : FAQs

Finding Wildlife: What to do | Species Accepted  | Release Sites | Vet Clinics | Frequently asked Questions

Q1. How do you deter skunks from making a home, in your home.

An easy way to deter skunks from living under decks, porches ect. is to soak old rags in house hold ammonia (found in grocery stores) and place them into tin cans. ** Remember not to mix ammonia with bleach or any other products. **

Place the cans where you think their entrance and exit locations are. You may have to be persistent for a week or so before they get the hint. Skunks do not like the smell of ammonia and should move on to reside elsewhere.

As soon as you are sure the skunks have moved on, you should board up the area so they will not return.

Q2. I've found a cute little animal and I'm trying to raise it as a pet. Can you offer me any advice?

STOP! WILD ANIMALS DO NOT MAKE GOOD PETS!! First of all, it is illegal to possess wildlife in Alberta without a special permit. As well, they often carry diseases that are harmful, sometimes even fatal, to humans. If you have found and retrieved a baby animal, return it to its mother as quickly as possible. If it is not possible, contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitation center.

Q3. I've seen a baby bird on the ground. I can't locate its nest or its parents, what should I do?

If you cannot get to a vet clinic quickly, the first thing to do is make sure the bird is kept warm. This can be done by placing the baby bird in a nest made out of an old shoe box, an empty margarine container lined with dryer lint or a soft cloth. Place half of the container on top of a heating pad set on low or a hot water bottle filled with warm - not hot - water. This will allow the animal to choose the level of warmth.

Once the bird is warm it can be fed some soaked dry cat food. DO NOT FEED A COLD BIRD!! Make sure the cat food is soaked quite well and stirred up to a pasty consistency. Using a medicine dropper, place a small amount of cat food at the back of the bird's mouth. If the bird is hungry, it will be displaying a "gapping" behavior and will quickly accept food. It is very important not to over feed the young bird. Very young birds will need to be fed quite frequently -- sometimes an eye-dropper full every 15 to 20 minutes.

Take the bird to a veterinary clinic accepting wildlife or to a wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible. A wild animal has the best chance of survival with those who understand its nutritional and behavioural requirements.

Q4. I've seen a baby bird on the ground. I can't locate its nest or its parents, what should I do?

If you cannot get to a vet clinic quickly, the first thing to do is make sure the bird is kept warm. This can be done by placing the baby bird in a nest made out of an old shoe box, an empty margarine container lined with dryer lint or a soft cloth. Place half of the container on top of a heating pad set on low or a hot water bottle filled with warm - not hot - water. This will allow the animal to choose the level of warmth.

Once the bird is warm it can be fed some soaked dry cat food. DO NOT FEED A COLD BIRD!! Make sure the cat food is soaked quite well and stirred up to a pasty consistency. Using a medicine dropper, place a small amount of cat food at the back of the bird's mouth. If the bird is hungry, it will be displaying a "gapping" behavior and will quickly accept food. It is very important not to over feed the young bird. Very young birds will need to be fed quite frequently -- sometimes an eye-dropper full every 15 to 20 minutes.

Take the bird to a veterinary clinic accepting wildlife or to a wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible. A wild animal has the best chance of survival with those who understand its nutritional and behavioural requirements.

Q5. I have found an injured animal, your centre is closed for the night, what do I do?

Many of the veterinary clinics around the city, take in the orphaned/injured animals on our behalf. They will admit the animal at no cost to you and keep it safe for the night. For after hours rescues, please take the animal to a 24-hour clinic.

They will then contact the wildlife centre, where we will arrange for a volunteer to pick up the animal and treat it.

Please see the vet listings on our web page for a clinic accepting wildlife near you.