Spring brings new life to Forest Knolls — and also a wave of well-meaning but sometimes misguided human intervention with young wildlife. With great horned owls nesting in the eucalyptus, songbirds building in gardens, and the occasional young coyote or fox venturing out, it's worth knowing when to help and when to leave well enough alone.
Baby birds: when to act and when not to
The most common scenario: a young bird is found on the ground. The instinct is to rescue it. But most of the time, the right action is to leave it alone.
- Nestlings (pink, featherless, eyes closed) have genuinely fallen from the nest. If you can locate the nest safely, you can return the bird. The myth that parent birds reject chicks that have been touched by humans is false.
- Fledglings (feathered, hopping around on the ground) are supposed to be there. They are in the normal process of learning to fly. Parents are almost always nearby and watching. Leave them alone.
- If a bird has been caught by a cat or is clearly injured, contact WildCare Bay Area (415-456-7283), the Bay Area's primary wildlife rehabilitation organization.
Baby mammals
- Young rabbits with open eyes and fur are independent — leave them. Eyes-closed, fur-less bunnies may need help; contact WildCare.
- Young raccoons left alone for more than a few hours may have lost their mother. If they are crying continuously, contact WildCare.
- Young coyotes or foxes seen alone may simply have a nearby parent who is foraging. Observe from a distance for a few hours before calling for help.
Who to call in SF
- WildCare Bay Area — 415-456-7283 (wildlife hotline)
- SF SPCA — for domestic animal concerns
- SF Animal Care & Control — for animals in immediate danger