So you found a sick or injured mammal/marsupial? Let us help you assess the situation with confidence:
Injured and Sick Mammals/Marsupials
MOST COMMON SIGNS OF INJURY/ILLNESS:
● Obvious wound, blood on the body
● Lets you walk right up to it
● Circling or ambulating erratically
● Surrounded by flies/fly eggs on body
● legs/arms/head abnormally positioned
All mammals have teeth as their primary defense mechanism and they will use them if they feel threatened, so it is best to never use your bare hand when handling. The safest way is to pick them up using a towel or blanket.
Once you have approached the mammal, throw a towel over them aiming for the face and mouth. Remember, these mammals look cute and cuddly, but their teeth can cause damage so always be aware of where the mouth is. Once covered grab the animal and put it inside an escape proof box (squirrels can chew through cardboard quickly). Make sure there are air holes so the animal can breathe.
For some animals it may be easier to place the container on its side and use a broom like object to slowly nudge the mammal into the box as a less invasive capture method.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO HANDLE A RABIES VECTOR SPECIES!
Common Rabies Vector Species: raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, coyotes, river otters
Make it stand out.
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Squirrels/Rodents
Most often a sick or injured squirrel will present with hind limb paralysis or head trauma due to a vehicle collision. I’m sure everyone has experienced their suicidal tendencies while driving along, which is no surprise this is the number one cause of injuries to adult animals. Not only do they have a painful bite, but they will scratch excessively to evade capture. It is best to wear welding or gardening gloves and/or use a net to restrain them. Putting them in a plastic bin with holes or a wire metal cage covered with a visual barrier, remember rodents can chew through cardboard and don’t make enjoyable passengers.
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Opossoms
Virginia Opossoms often present with head trauma due to vehicular collisions. When your defense mechanism is playing dead and drooling it doesn’t tend to intimidate motor vehicles. This can include jaw dislocations, eye injuries, and circling displays. The second most common cause of admission is dog attacks. They are often submissive and docile and can usually be safely handled with throwing a towel over their eyes and “burritoing” them then placing in a box. Because they are a marsupial, their natural body temperature is lower than mammas which precludes them from being carriers of common zoonotic diseases such as distemper and rabies.
*In spring it is common for deceased mother opossums to have live young in their pouches, which should be removed immediately.
*When stressed or scared they will play opossom so if no injuries or abnormal behavior is present it is often advised to leave the area and observe the animal for an hour or so.
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Rabies Vector Species
It is best not to handle any of these species if you don’t have experience. If you feel that the animal must receive attention immediately, please call a wildlife rehabilitator. DO NOT attempt to handle an adult by yourself. If bitten or scratched at any point seek medical attention immediately, rabies is a life-threatening disease that can cause death if not treated promptly.
Signs of rabies:
• Disorientation
• Not ambulating normally
• Non-aggressive or overly aggressive
• Foamy or excessive drooling
These signs do not always indicate rabies, other diseases and injuries can also cause similar symptoms. It is best to always call a wildlife rehabilitator or FWC if dealing with a juvenile or adult rabies vector species.
