See a hare, leave it there: Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
Do you have a photo of a rescued baby animal? Send it to [email protected]
It's spring — the time of year when the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society sees a lot of tiny, orphaned baby mammals, like squirrels and hares.
The Homestretch's Jenny Howe got to visit with some four-week-old baby squirrels, in what can only be described as a cuteness overload.
The baby squirrels are being bottle fed milk — using a special formula devised for squirrels. They will be released at about 12-weeks-old.
But on a more serious note, CWRS has an important message for people: "See a Hare, Leave it There."
Snowshoe and White-tailed Prairie hares are having their babies at this time and CWRS animal care manager Jenna McFarland would like to remind the public that it is normal for baby hares to be found alone. They are not orphaned, so please do not kidnap them, she pleads.
Hares are born fully furred and with their eyes open. They can hop around within hours of birth. It is the strategy of hares to leave their young for long periods of time under bushes and in the grass. This is normal and helps to protect the babies from predators since young hares have no scent, according to CWRS.
Baby hares will freeze when threatened, so it's best to leave them alone. If they're in danger, it's okay to move them to a safe spot close by, where mom can find them by calling out.
However, if you find any animals bleeding or injured do bring them into the centre. If you are unsure, please phone the CWRS wildlife hotline at 403-239-2488.
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With files from the CBC's Jenny Howe