Wildlife Myths
There are some myths that go around that cause wild animals more harm than good. See below to find out more!
Click on the arrows to scroll through some myths!
Porcupines don't throw quills. Their quills are very loose on their tail, and are barbed and attach very easily to skin and clothing. If there is a porcupine in your area, be sure to leash up your pup!
No animal mother of any species will abandon her babies just because they've been touched by a human despite how good a sense of smell they have. If you have touched an animal, return it to the location where you found it unless it is injured or in danger.
Opossums are not generally aggressive or dirty. Opossums play a critical role in nature as they can eat almost 5000 ticks per week! Their lower than normal body temperature also means that rabies in opossums is extremely rare. If you see one of these guys, let them go about their business!
Rabbits are extremely fragile creatures, unfortunately people sometimes pick up the bunny and assume it's ok or friendly as it just sits there calmly. However, internally they are terrified, and can even suffer heart failure from being handled.
Just because a Fox or other nocturnal mammal is spotted during the day, does not mean they are rabid. Sometimes they are hungry, looking for a mate, or exploring their territory!
You can put a baby bird back in a nest, their parents won't care that you've touched the baby, although you do want to wear gloves to avoid picking up a disease from them! Just keep an eye out for fledglings who jump out of nests!
Opossums don't actually hang from their tails, but they can use it as an extra appendage and use it to carry leaves and sticks!
Did you know it's illegal to keep or raise wildlife unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabber? You may be trying to help, but please call a licensed rehabber!
Bunnies can be quite a handful in your garden, but did you know they eat the greens not the root vegetables? They aren't diggers, plus Carrots are actually way too high in sugar to be a part of their normal diet.
See a fawn all alone? Mom may have just left it while she goes off to eat. Unless the baby's ears are curling, or it has ruffling of the fur, and dulling of the eyes, which indicate dehydration, watch for Mom to return.
Did you cut down a tree and there was a squirrel nest? Mom won't abandon her babies, leave the tree where it is and she should move them within a few days!
Bunnies actually leave the nest at a tiny size! They are ready for their own life when they are about the size of a tennis ball!
Like pretty much all pets, pet turtles are not equipped to survive the wild, please don't just release them!
Fisher Cats aren't a cat and don't fish! They are actually weasels!
If you happen upon a turtle in the middle of the road, make sure you move the turtle (safely!) In the direction it is facing, moving it just to the side of the road can be helpful, but if it was facing the other side, they will try to go back across!
Bunny moms will leave their babies alone for most of the day, only returning for short periods to feed them. Just because they are alone, does not mean they are abandoned!