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Wildlife and Rabies

If You Care, Leave Them There! Young Wildlife Belong in the Wild.

The Problem
Every year, many people upset the lives of young wildlife when they only mean to help. The problems arise when people assume that young wildlife found alone are abandoned, helpless and need saving. In nearly all cases, this is a mistake. Often, wild animal parents stay away from their young when people are near.

The Result
These well meaning acts of kindness tend to have the opposite result. Most people quickly find that they do not really know how to care for young wildlife, and many of the animals that are "rescued" soon die despite their best efforts.

What to Do

• LEAVE THE ANIMAL ALONE! It may be difficult to do, but this is the real act of kindness and in nearly all cases it is the best thing to do.
• DO NOT consider young wildlife as possible pets. This is illegal and is bad for the animal.
• If you encounter a young wild animal that is obviously injured or orphaned, please call a Wildlife Rehabilitator for advice and help. Wildlife Rehabilitators, volunteers licensed by DEC, are the only people legally allowed to receive and treat distressed wildlife. The goal of the rehabilitator is to release a healthy animal back into the wild, where it belongs.

To locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator in your area:

• In Erie County, call the DEC Buffalo Main Office at (716) 851-7200.This office is located at 270 Michigan Avenue in Buffalo, NY 14203.
• Outside Erie County, call your nearest DEC Regional Wildlife Office.
• New York State Wildlife Rehabilitators (NYSWRC) www.nyswrc.org/rehabbers.html#erie

About Rabies

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid.
Rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

The best ways to prevent rabies:

• Make sure your pets get and stay vaccinated against rabies.
• Never touch unfamiliar or wild animals. Enjoy wild animals from afar.
• If you or your pets come in contact with a bat or any wild animal contact the Erie County Department of Health at716-961-6800. After regular business hours, please call 716- 961-7898.

For more information on rabies go to:

• ECDOH Free Rabies Vaccine Clinics
• ECDOH Rabies Control Policy
• Positive Animal Rabies in Erie County
• Educational Materials