It’s Fall coming up but let’s take a step back.

Springtime at Earthplace means getting a lot of phone calls for orphaned babies: birds, squirrels, raccoons, and the occasional opossum. A good portion of these animals have been orphaned by someone doing spring tree work.

Trees provide cavity nesters like bluebirds, owls, squirrels and raccoons, a place to raise their young. Of course, most of our local wildlife give birth and lay eggs in the spring and summer. Squirrels and some owls as early as February! A tree’s branches also provide cover for a variety of animals, including birds that build nests. 

To avoid orphaning, consider changing the time of year you have tree work done. This doesn’t include safety hazards – if you have a dangling branch or other potentially dangerous issue with a tree, get it removed as soon as possible! But, why not wait until fall to get trees pruned or removed if you can. It’s safer for the wildlife we share this world with, and the babies will get to grow with the parents they need to grow with. A wildlife rehabber, no matter how experienced, is not the optimal solution. An animal’s best bet for survival as an adult is to have learned from their own species. 

If you do come across an orphaned or injured wild animal, check the DEEP website for a local wildlife rehabber who can help. Please remember that wildlife rehabbers are volunteers who spend time and money on helping the animals they raise. It is helpful to them if you can transport the animal to them, and if you can donate toward the animal’s care.

The DEEP website: https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2723&q=326228&deepNav_GID=1655

Please note that Earthplace does not take in animals for rehabilitation, and cannot transport them to a rehabber for you.