With the arrival of spring comes warmer temperatures, blossoming trees and of course baby animals.
Everything from deer, to chipmunks, to racoons will be born in the coming months — prompting wildlife officials to warn the public to be aware of animals raising their young while outdoors.
The South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls is giving some guidance in what to do if you come across raptors this spring.
Many of the baby raptors can become separated fro their parents before they are old enough to survive on their own, but that doesn’t mean they are abandoned.
Raptor nests can easily be destroyed during a storm, logging, or land clearance. Other predators can also disturb the nest causing the juveniles to fall to the ground.
“A grounded raptor is not necessarily an orphan,” according to SORCO. “Unless the parents are deceased, they will continue to guard and feed their young on the ground. They will do this until the young develop the strength to make their way to safety in the trees.
Sometimes a young bird may be grounded for several weeks, and in the absence of human disturbance or predation, juveniles have a reasonable chance of survival.”
Should you come upon a grounded juvenile here is a reminder of what not to do:
- Do not pick up
- Do not feed
- Call SORCO to have them assess the situation at 250-498-4251
For more information on Raptors and SORCO click here.