By Alex Thompson, March 10, 2026

Rescue Animal

The rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife is an integral part of maintaining ecological balance in our communities. Organizations dedicated to this cause, such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Minnesota (WRC), play a crucial role in this effort, providing essential medical care and rehabilitation for over 18,000 wild animals each year, spanning more than 200 species. Their expertise, particularly in treating lead toxicity in Trumpeter Swans and repairing turtle shells, has brought them recognition well beyond state lines. However, they also strive to educate the public about local wildlife, bridging the gap between humans and the natural world.

Recognizing When Wildlife Needs Help

Spring is often a bustling time for wildlife rehabilitation, as many baby animals are born and face various challenges in their early lives. A common enquiry for organizations like WRC is: how can one discern when an animal should be brought to a rehabilitation center? Understanding the signs can greatly vary between adult and young wildlife.

For adult animals, the indicators are clearer. A basic guideline is simple yet effective: if you can approach and pick up a wild animal, it is likely in distress and requires immediate assistance. In such cases, contacting the WRC is crucial. Interestingly, for young animals, the process can be more nuanced, as many are not immediately fearful of humans. In such instances, reaching out to a wildlife expert can provide necessary clarity on the appropriate steps to take.

Baby Rabbits in Your Backyard

One of the most frequently encountered situations in Minnesota during spring is discovering a nest of baby rabbits—commonly referred to as bunnies—without their mother in sight. It is essential to understand that rabbit mothers tend to keep their distance to evade potential predators. They typically come to the nest only a couple of times a day to nurse their young for brief periods, enabling the babies to dig themselves back down into their nest materials afterward; thus, it may appear undisturbed.

If you find a nest and feel concerned about the bunnies, you can gently inspect them while being cautious not to disturb the nest. There are specific indicators that would warrant taking the baby bunnies to WRC:

• Any visible injuries
• Presence of flies, which may suggest illness
• Visible ribs; healthy baby bunnies should appear plump
• Signs of dehydration. To check for hydration, a skin tent test can be performed:
• Hold the baby bunny gently.
• Pinch the loose skin at its shoulder blades to form a tent and then release.
• If the skin falls flat soon after releasing, the bunny is hydrated. If it remains tent-like, the animal may be dehydrated.

Note: It’s important to remember that baby bunnies only stay in the nest for about three weeks. If you discover a larger, fuzzier rabbit with upright ears, it is likely independent and no longer needs assistance.

Safeguarding Bunny Nests

Protection from Dogs

When you have a dog, it can pose a risk to an active bunny nest. One practical approach to ensure the safety of the nest is to use a laundry basket. Place the basket over the nest and secure it with stakes through the handles or an opening. This method will deter your dog while providing a protective barrier. It may take some training to teach your pet to respect the area.

Keeping Cats Indoors

Of greater concern, however, are free-roaming cats, which can pose a significant threat to wildlife. Their instinct to hunt often leads to injuries among local wildlife, including birds, which are already facing population decline. Even a small bite from a cat can carry bacteria serious enough to endanger a baby bunny. For cat owners, creating a “catio”—a safe outdoor enclosure—can allow cats to experience the outdoors without jeopardizing wildlife.

Understanding Fawns in Distress

Newborn fawns are commonly found lying alone in gardens or yards, as their mothers foraging for food can leave them unattended for significant stretches—often 8 to 10 hours in the early weeks. Young fawns typically curl up in concealed areas to sleep and may even appear curious or approach nearby humans or pets. If a fawn is frightened and runs away, it is generally capable of reuniting with its mother through vocalizations.

However, if you witness signs of distress in a fawn, such as:

• Lying on its side (which is abnormal for a fawn)
• Running in panic while crying, indicating prolonged absence of the mother

—it is crucial to act swiftly and consider taking the fawn to WRC for professional care.

Handling Interactions with Wildlife

A common misconception among those who encounter baby wildlife is the concern that human interaction may lead to maternal rejection. In truth, the instinct of wild animals to care for their young often overrides the presence of unfamiliar human scents. Wildlife rescue centers like WRC successfully reunite handled animals with their mothers after rehabilitation, dispelling the myth that touching them will lead to abandonment.

Key Guidelines for Assessing Wildlife Injury

Contacting WRC for guidance is the safest approach to ensure that wildlife in distress is properly handled. Care must be taken, especially with species such as bats and raccoons known to carry rabies. In cases of wild animals, here are fundamental cues indicating that intervention may be necessary:

• If you can approach an adult animal with ease, it is a clear sign of illness or injury.
• If a baby animal appears unsteady, lethargic, or is mature enough to leave its nest but stays put, it requires immediate care.
• The presence of flies on an animal is a strong indicator of health issues.

If you are inclined to support important conservation efforts and the work facilitated by WRC in MN, consider visiting their website to discover ways to volunteer or donate. Engaging with their social media platforms can also provide insights into the organization and its initiatives as they work to safeguard our beautiful local wildlife.

By understanding the needs and concerns surrounding wildlife, we can all contribute to the health and safety of our ecosystems, nurturing a harmonious relationship with the animals that share our environment.

Photos courtesy of Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota.

For more information on helping rescue animal initiatives, visit rescue animal resources.

**Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice regarding wildlife rehabilitation or health. Always consult with a licensed wildlife expert or veterinarian for specific guidance and assistance.