We've all seen television shows or movies about a baby bird that fell from a tree, breaking its wing. A small child bandages the wing and nurses the bird back to health. The story always ends with the child taking the bird outside after several weeks, opening cups hands, and watching the bird majestically fly into the sunset. Reality it much different.

I'll start by listing what NOT to do, based on what I've seen or heard in the past:

- Do NOT try to nurse birds back to health by feeding them milk.
- Do NOT assume that every mammal feasts on cat food.
- Do NOT pick up the animal with your bare hands.
- Do NOT try to introduce the animal to your pets.

Many people make assumptions about wild animals based on experiences with pets. What will happen in numerous cases is the animal will get worse or die.

Here is what to do:

Immediately call your local Animal Control, Dept. of Wildlife office (possibly names differently), or wild animal rescue/rehabilitation facility, to schedule a pick-up. Any of those can be found in the phonebook. If the animal is found after their regular hours, try calling a vet clinic, preferably one that specializes in exotic animals, or even a zoo. Someone will be able to help at either.

It may be necessary to bring the animal to the vet clinic or other agency if conditions are not safe for it to remain where it is. In that case, if the animal can be safely handled or trapped without inflicting harm (please limit this to birds or other small animals), do so. If the animal makes agressive moves, back off; nothing else can be done by you. If you do capture the animal, promptly bring it to those who can help. If it would not be safe to move the animal, try to keep it safe until a professional can move it. You will be directed how to do this in each case so that you will not go into this blind.

Always remember that there are trained professionals for any situation involving injured wild animals. It is best to leave these situations to professionals who know what to do best, rather than taking an animal's fate into our own hands.