Our wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Howard Johnson, has donated some radio time for us on WECR 1130-AM. In addition, the radio station has included us on their website. Below are some helpful hints we have written for them as part of their media campaign.

What to do about a baby Fawn

Fawn season is upon us. We get a ton of calls at Genesis about found fawns and here are a few tips you can help us spread to keep our deer population healthy and happy. A doe will leave its babies several times during the day to feed. The fawn is born without a natural scent that helps it stay hidden from predators as it is growing. They are often left by their mothers in tall grass (sometimes near streams) to wait for their mother's return. A fawn's natural behavior is to be quiet and motionless which might appear to us humans as an injury. You should never pick up a fawn unless you know for certain the mother is injured. The best chance a fawn has for survival is with its mother. If you come across a fawn and don't see the mother, leave it alone. The mother could be watching you in hopes that you will be leaving. If you suspect the fawn might be abandoned, leave the spot where you found the fawn and return several hours later. This will give the mother a chance to safely retrieve the fawn. Once the mother notices you've been there (and they will). They will move the fawn to a safer spot. A doe will certainly return by sunset to nurse its young. If you find someone who has taken a fawn, return the fawn to the same spot where they found it and keep checking over several hours to see if the mother has retrieved it. If not, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

What to do when you find an injured raptor

Raptors are birds of prey that hunt for food and kill with their talons (claws on their feet). These talons are incredible strong and they are used to tear flesh and even crush bone. Raptors include, hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, ospreys, vultures, buzzards, merlins, kites, and carriers. In the US, all native migratory species, which includes raptors, are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act passed in 1918. Raptors are extremely important to our ecology and their protection helps all of us. By far the biggest threat to birds of prey is injury by man. Often, raptors hunt on roadways. The streets form a clearing where they can swoop down and capture their prey. If you see an injured raptor there are several things you can safely do to help. The first thing you want to do is to secure the bird. Because raptors are so strong, you never want to grab a raptor with your bare hands. The best thing to do is to take a thick towel, blanket or box and cover the animal. Covering the animal will also help calm them. Next scoop up the raptor very carefully being sure not to touch the bird and staying clear from its talons. Finally, mark the exact spot where you found the bird and include that information when bringing the bird in to a rehabilitator. The spot where you found he raptor is very important in some cases. Also, include your contact information in case the rehabber has any follow-up questions. If you don't know where to find a rehabilitator, check with your local veterinarian.