Sometimes babies are not in need of our help. If they are not orphaned, remember this: Mom knows best! We cannot duplicate the mother's care. In some cases, like with the cottontails, their best chance for survival is with their mother.

Do not attempt to feed the baby anything. Just place the baby in a shoe box or plastic container with some soft clothing and a source of heat like a hot water bottle. We know it's hard to resist feeding a baby animal - please don't! Baby wild animals have very specific nutritional needs, and special feeding techniques must be used to ensure they don't aspirate (get fluid in their lungs). Aside from obvious injury or distress, it can be difficult to determine if found animals really need the help of a rehabilitator. These links can help you decide. ​ DFW Wildlife Coalition - I Found a Baby Bird. Now What? (https://dfwwildlife.org/i-found-an-injured-adult-bird/) ​ DFW Wildlife Coalition - I Found a Baby Mammal. Now What? (PDF)(https://dfwwildlife.org/i-found-an-injured-mammal/) ​ The Humane Society of the United States - Found an Orphaned or Injured Baby Wild Animal?(http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/injured_orphaned_wildlife.html)