|
We have had a couple of dead birds in our yard. Does someone need to be notified? Are they still testing for West Nile?
Each year the health department tracks the spread of West Nile Virus across the US. They do this by testing carcasses of blue jays, crows and raptors. Once the department gets confirmation that the virus is in a county, they no longer need to test. To find out if the department is currently conducting testing call the Douglas County Health Department at 444-7481 or 444-7489. If you are advised to dispose of the bird you can contact animal control at 444-7800.
Return to top of page
It’s windy out and baby birds have been blown out of a tree in my yard. What should I do?
If you know where the nest is return the baby to it. Don’t worry about the birds smelling your scent on the baby and rejecting it (birds do not have a greatly developed sense of smell.) If you’re not sure where the nest might be you can make a temporary nest out of a basket or flower pot lined with grass. Place the nest where you originally found the baby. The parents will be looking for their offspring and should locate the bird if he is in their general vicinity. A small but fully feathered bird out of the nest is called a fledgling. One on the ground is probably getting his first taste of freedom under the watchful eye of parents. Leave him alone—his parents will take care of him. If the bird is injured or actually orphaned call animal control at 444-7800. A warm quiet box with holes in the lid is a good place to keep the baby until you can get him to a wildlife rehabilitation specialist or the Nebraska Humane Society.
Return to top of page
My child brought home a baby bunny she found in a field. Can I return it to the same place?
You bet! It’s a myth that if a baby smells like people, the mom won’t take it back. She likely won’t come around when you’re there, but if you put the baby back where you found it, the mom should be able to find it again.
Return to top of page
I found a bunny nest in my yard. How do I know it’s not abandoned?
Mother rabbits often leave their nests during the day to forage for food. If people are around they will not return to the nest because they don’t want to lead you to their offspring. To see if Mom is actually returning here’s an easy trick. Take two long pieces of grass and place them in an X over the nest. If you come back 24 hours later and the X has been disturbed—you’ll know mom has been back.
Return to top of page
There is a scary looking opossum living in our woodpile, is it a danger to my children or pets?
Despite his appearance, the opossum is actually a very shy creature. He will bare his teeth and hiss when approached but that’s as aggressive as he gets. Offensive opossum bites are VERY rare. In fact his main defense is non-combative. He plays dead (hence the saying “play possum”) and can lie motionless for 20 minutes or more to pull off the ploy. As soon as danger has passed he will hurry off in search of a more private location. Learn how to make your yard less attractive and remove him as a permanent guest.
Return to top of page
We have a lot of foliage which attracts insects around our house. So we get a lot of snakes and spiders. How do I know what types are poisonous?
Your local extension office often has a good handle on what insects and snakes are appearing in the area, and can often answer questions if provided with a good description. Based on weather conditions they also usually have a good idea of the type of breeding season it is for a variety of insects and animals. In Douglas County the extension office number is 444-7804.
Return to top of page
Where can I get more Wildlife Information?
Humane Society of the US http://www.hsus.org/
Nebraska Game and Parks http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/
Animal Protection Institute http://www.api4animals.org/
Nebraska Wildlife Rehab Inc. 341-8619 http://www.nebraskawildliferehab.org/
Raptor Recovery 731-9869 http://www.raptorrecoveryne.org/
Douglas County Extension Office 444-7804
Wildlife Rescue Team
In Lincoln ( 402) 473-1951
In Omaha 398-3031 (8am-10pm)
http://www.lincolnne.com/nonprofit/wrt/WRTIndex.htm
Return to top of page |
