Spring is the season when all life is renewed; green shoots appear on plants that have for months looked dead; trees are in blossom and the birds have all returned to raise new families. This renewal tends to give us all a lift as though, somehow, we have a new lease on life. Many people at this time of year feel compelled to give nature a helping hand by fertilizing the lawn, top dressing with soil, mulching and planting lawn and garden seed.

Many people extend their helping hand to nature when help is not required. Their misguided but well-meaning attempts result in harm. We are referring to those kindly souls and little children who each year “rescue” countless numbers of birds and other animals that have “lost their mothers”, “fallen from trees” or are “unable to fly”.

Most bird species feed their offspring in the nest only up to the point when they are full bodied and feathered. At some point the brood exceeds the capacity of the nest and shrubbery, where a high NATURAL mortality occurs. Nature compensates for this by ensuring large broods and, in many species, by multiple nesting of adult birds. Humans must not interfere during this critical time. We understand the temptation is great, especially if the bird parents have selected a nest site near hazards such as traffic and household cats.

The young of other animal species such as racoons, seals or deer are often found during the daylight hours in a seemingly exposed areas such as golf course fairways. They have been left by their parent while the search for food continues. These young mammals are old enough to leave their den or their mother’s side, but not skilled nor swift enough to accompany their parent 100% or the time. Simply leave them alone. If you check the location the next day, you will find the young ones have been retrieved.

How can you help wild animals at this time of year? Ensure your cats are not allowed outside during May or June. Better still, keep them indoors year-round, for their own safety! Visit the WILDLIFE RESCUE ASSOCIATION at www.wildliferescue.ca to donate your time or money for care of injured wild animals.