Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

How to Use This Manual

A Guide to the Icons 

PART A: GETTING STARTED

Chapter 1: Hotline Basics

1.1 The Goals of a Wildlife Hotline
1.2 Qualities and Skills of Wildlife Hotline Operators
1.3 Key Points to Remember When Taking Calls
1.4 Typical Process on a Wildlife Hotline Call
1.5 Example of a Wildlife Hotline Call
1.6 Making Decisions, Hotline Libraries and Lists of Contacts
1.7 Liability Issues on Wildlife Hotlines
1.8 Terms and Players in the Rest of This Manual

Chapter 2: Locating Help for an Animal in Need

2.1 What is a Wildlife Rehabilitator?
2.2 How to Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator in Your Area
2.3 What to Do if There is No Wildlife Rehabilitator in Your Area
2.4 Choosing a Wildlife Rehabilitator
2.5 Getting More Information: Networking Organizations for Wildlife Rehabilitators
2.6 Other Animal Organizations
2.7 Animal Cruelty
2.8 Legal Considerations
 

PART B: TAKING CALLS

Chapter 3: Sick and Injured Animals

3.1 Tips on How to Use a Field Guide on a Wildlife Hotline Call
3.2 Responding to a Call about a Sick or Injured Animal
3.3 Signs of Injury or Illness Requiring Medical Attention
3.4 Emergency Conditions Requiring Immediate Medical Attention6
3.5 Location and Circumstances in Which the Animal was Found
3.6 Sick or Injured Wild Animals Raised From Infancy
3.7 Understanding Stress in Wild Animals
3.8 Minimizing Stress in Wild Animals
3.9 Safe Methods of Capture and Handling
3.10 Why Feeding Sick or Injured Animals can be Problematic
3.11 Non-releasable Wildlife

Chapter 4: Orphaned Animals

4.1 Distinguishing Baby Animals from Sick or Injured Adults
4.2 Responding to a Call about an Orphaned Animal
4.3 Mammals
      4.3.1 Mammal Development
      4.3.2 Identifying Baby Mammals
      4.3.3 Signs of Illness or Injury in Baby Mammals
      4.3.4 Signs of Parental Neglect in Mammals
      4.3.5 Reuniting Mammal Babies With Their Parent(s)
4.4 Birds
     4.4.1 Bird Development
     4.4.2 Identifying Baby Birds
     4.4.3 Determining the Age of Altricial Baby Birds
     4.4.4 Signs of Illness or Injury in Baby Birds
     4.4.5 Signs of Parental Neglect in Fledgling Birds
     4.4.6 Reuniting Baby Birds with their Parent(s)
4.5 Reptiles and Amphibians
4.6 Signs of Illness or Injury in Baby Reptiles or Amphibians
4.7 Orphaned Egg(s)
4.8 Why Feeding Baby Animals Can Be Problematic
4.9 Why Orphaned Animals Need Professional Care

Chapter 5: Methods of Wildlife Capture

5.1 Tools of the Trade
5.2 Rescuing Birds
      5.2.1 If the bird is unable to stand, walk, or fly
      5.2.2 If the bird can walk but is unable to fly
      5.2.3 If the bird is able to walk and fly
5.3 Rescuing Mammals
      5.3.1 If the animal is not moving or has very limited mobility
      5.3.2 If the animal is mobile (i.e., it can walk, run, or climb fast enough to evade capture)
5.4 Rescuing Reptiles and Amphibians
     5.4.1 Rescuing Turtles
     5.4.2 Rescuing Other Reptiles and Amphibians

Chapter 6: Distressed or Trapped Animals

6.1 “There’s an animal with a foreign substance (oil, glue, grease, tar) on its fur or feathers”
6.2 “There’s an animal in my pool/pond who won’t leave”
6.3 “There’s an animal frozen in the ice”
6.4 “An animal is tangled up in fishing line/bird netting/a hockey net”
6.5 “There’s an animal with a jar/can/fast food lid stuck around its neck/paw/leg”
6.6 “An animal is trapped inside a building/my house”
6.7 “An animal is trapped in my chimney”
6.8 “There’s an animal frantically tearing at the outside of my roof/trapped in my roof ”
6.9 “My cat brought an animal to me”
6.10 “An animal is trapped in a dumpster”
6.11 “An animal is wedged in a sewer grate/drainage hole/part of a building structure”
6.12 “An animal is trapped inside the sewer”
6.13 “An animal is trapped in a window well”
6.14 “An animal is trapped in a live trap/cage trap/Havahart® trap”
6.15 “An animal is stuck on a glue trap”

Chapter 7: Conflict Situations

7.1 Responding to a Call About a Wildlife Conflict Situation
7.2 Identification of Unseen Animals in Conflict Situations
7.3 Encouraging Tolerance
7.4 Stopping Problems Before They Start – a Guide to Prevention
7.5 Wildlife Exclusion
      7.5.1 Roofs
      7.5.2 Chimneys
      7.5.3 Dryer and Stove Exhaust Vents
      7.5.4 Ground Level Entry Points
      7.5.5 Under Decks, Sheds, Walkways, Steps and Porches
      7.5.6 Balconies
      7.5.7 Window Wells
      7.5.8 Garbage Containers
      7.5.9 Fencing Gardens and Yards
      7.5.10 Protecting Plants and Trees
      7.5.11 Warehouses and Open Buildings
      7.5.12 One-Way Doors
7.6 Wildlife Deterrents
      7.6.1 Physical/Tactile Bird Deterrents
      7.6.2 Visual Bird Deterrents
      7.6.3 Auditory Bird Deterrents
      7.6.4 Taste/Smell Deterrents for Birds
      7.6.5 Physical/Tactile Mammal Deterrents
      7.6.6 Visual Mammal Deterrents
      7.6.7 Auditory Mammal Deterrents
      7.6.8 Taste/Smell Deterrents for Mammals
      7.6.9 Mammal Harassment Techniques
7.7 Conflicts with Pets
7.8 Feeding Wildlife
7.9 Trapping and Relocating
7.10 Wildlife Removal Companies

Chapter 8: Wildlife and Pets

8.1 Dangers Posed by Cats to Wildlife
8.2 Dangers Faced by Outdoor Cats
8.3 Ways to Help Protect Cats and Wildlife
8.4 Converting Outdoor Cats to Indoor Cats
8.5 Potential Health Risks to Domestic Animals from Wildlife

Chapter 9: Public Health and Safety

9.1 Zoonotic Disease and Wildlife Hotlines
9.2 What to Do if Someone is Bitten or Scratched
9.3 Public Health Information
9.4 What to Do with a Dead Wild Animal
9.5 Tips for Protection Against Zoonotic Disease
9.6 Rabies
9.7 Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)
9.8 West Nile Virus
9.9 Avian Influenza

Chapter 10:Wild and Domestic Animal Identification

10.1 The Importance of Identification
10.2 How to Identify Wild Animals
10.3 Differentiating Wild and Domestic/Exotic Animals
10.4 Common Mistaken Identities in Wild and Domestic Animals
10.5 What to do with Displaced or Stray Domestic/Exotic Animals
 

PART C: SPECIES INFORMATION

Understanding Species Information Chapters

Chapter 11: Loons and Grebes

11.1 Quick Facts
11.2 Stages of Development
11.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
11.4 Tips for the Rescuer
11.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 12: Swans, Geese, and Ducks

12.1 Quick Facts
12.2 Stages of Development
12.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
12.4 Tips for the Rescuer
12.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 13: Cormorants

13.1 Quick Facts
13.2 Stages of Development
13.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
13.4 Tips for the Rescuer
13.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 14: Gulls and Terns

14.1 Quick Facts
14.2 Stages of Development
14.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
14.4 Tips for the Rescuer
14.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 15: Herons, Bitterns, and Egrets

15.1 Quick Facts
15.2 Stages of Development
15.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
15.4 Tips for the Rescuer
15.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 16: Shorebirds – Killdeer, Plovers, Woodcocks, Snipes, Sandpipers and Phalaropes

16.1 Quick Facts
16.2 Stages of Development
16.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
16.4 Tips for the Rescuer
16.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 17: Marsh birds – Rails, Coots and Moorhens

17.1 Quick Facts
17.2 Stages of Development
17.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
17.4 Tips for the Rescuer
17.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 18: Fowl-like Birds – Turkeys, Grouse, Pheasants and Partridges

18.1 Quick Facts
18.2 Stages of Development
18.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
18.4 Tips for the Rescuer
18.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 19: Birds of Prey (Raptors) – Hawks, Eagles, Owls and Falcons

19.1 Quick Facts
19.2 Stages of Development
19.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
19.4 Tips for the Rescuer
19.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 20: Vultures

20.1 Quick Facts
20.2 Stages of Development
20.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
20.4 Tips for the Rescuer
20.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 21: Pigeons and Doves

21.1 Quick Facts
21.2 Stages of Development
21.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
21.4 Tips for the Rescuer
21.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 22: Cuckoos

22.1 Quick Facts
22.2 Stages of Development
22.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
22.4 Tips for the Rescuer
22.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 23: Nightjars

23.1 Quick Facts
23.2 Stages of Development
23.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
23.4 Tips for the Rescuer
23.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 24: Hummingbirds

24.1 Quick Facts
24.2 Stages of Development
24.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
24.4 Tips for the Rescuer
24.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 25: Kingfishers

25.1 Quick Facts
25.2 Stages of Development
25.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
25.4 Tips for the Rescuer
25.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 26: Swifts

26.1 Quick Facts
26.2 Stages of Development
26.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
26.4 Tips for the Rescuer
26.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 27: Woodpeckers

27.1 Quick Facts
27.2 Stages of Development
27.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
27.4 Tips for the Rescuer
27.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 28: Passerines (Songbirds) – Crows, Starlings, Robins, Jays, Cardinals, Sparrows, Finches, Grackles and Others

28.1 Quick Facts
28.2 Stages of Development
28.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
28.4 Tips for the Rescuer
28.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 29: Bats

29.1 Quick Facts
29.2 Stages of Development
29.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
29.4 Tips for the Rescuer
29.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 30: Bears

30.1 Quick Facts
30.2 Stages of Development
30.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
30.4 Tips for the Rescuer
30.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 31: Beavers

31.1 Quick Facts
31.2 Stages of Development
31.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
31.4 Tips for the Rescuer
31.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 32: Bobcats and Lynx

32.1 Quick Facts
32.2 Stages of Development
32.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
32.4 Tips for the Rescuer
32.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 33: Chipmunks

33.1 Quick Facts
33.2 Stages of Development
33.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
\33.4 Tips for the Rescuer
33.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 34: Coyotes and Foxes

34.1 Quick Facts
34.2 Stages of Development
34.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
34.4 Tips for the Rescuer
34.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 35: Deer

35.1 Quick Facts
35.2 Stages of Development
35.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
35.4 Tips for the Rescuer
35.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 36: Woodchucks (Groundhogs)

36.1 Quick Facts
36.2 Stages of Development
36.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
36.4 Tips for the Rescuer
36.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 37: Mice, Rats, Voles, and Lemmings

37.1 Quick Facts
37.2 Stages of Development
37.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
37.4 Tips for the Rescuer
37.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 38: Moles and Shrews

38.1 Quick Facts
38.2 Stages of Development
38.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
38.4 Tips for the Rescuer
38.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 39: Muskrats

39.1 Quick Facts
39.2 Stages of Development
39.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
39.4 Tips for the Rescuer
39.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 40: Opossums

40.1 Quick Facts
40.2 Stages of Development
40.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
40.4 Tips for the Rescuer
40.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 41: Porcupines

41.1 Quick Facts
41.2 Stages of Development
41.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
41.4 Tips for the Rescuer
41.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 42: Rabbits and Hares

42.1 Quick Facts
42.2 Stages of Development
42.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
42.4 Tips for the Rescuer
42.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 43: Raccoons

43.1 Quick Facts
43.2 Stages of Development
43.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
44.4 Tips for the Rescuer
43.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 44: Tree Squirrels

44.1 Quick Facts
44.2 Stages of Development
44.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
44.4 Tips for the Rescuer
44.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 45: Skunks

45.1 Quick Facts
45.2 Stages of Development
45.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
45.4 Tips for the Rescuer
45.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 46: Weasels, Minks, Martens and Fishers

46.1 Quick Facts
46.2 Stages of Development
46.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
46.4 Tips for the Rescuer
46.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 47: Snakes

47.1 Quick Facts
47.2 Stages of Development
47.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
47.4 Tips for the Rescuer
47.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 48: Turtles

48.1 Quick Facts
48.2 Stages of Development
48.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
48.4 Tips for the Rescuer
48.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 49: Salamanders and Lizards

49.1 Quick Facts
49.2 Stages of Development
49.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
49.4 Tips for the Rescuer
49.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 50: Toads and Frogs

50.1 Quick Facts
50.2 Stages of Development
50.3 When to Rescue: Potential Emergencies and False Alarms
50.4 Tips for the Rescuer
50.5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 51: Bees and Wasps

51.1 Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary

PART D: APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Examples of Hotline Calls

1-A: Hotline Call about a Sick or Injured Animal
1-B: Hotline Call about an Orphaned Animal
1-C: Hotline Call about a Conflict Situation

Appendix 2: Baby Identification Tables

2-A: Baby Bird Identification Tables
2-B: Baby Mammal Identification Tables

Appendix 3: Photographs

3-A: Baby Bird Photographs
3-B: Baby Mammal Photographs

Appendix 4: Quick Reference Guides for Call Response

4-A: Quick Reference Guide for a Call About a Sick or Injured Animal
4-B: Quick Reference Guide for a Call About an Orphaned Bird
4-C: Quick Reference Guide for a Call About an Orphaned Mammal
4-D: Quick Reference Guide for a Call About a Conflict Situation

Appendix 5: Forms

Making Decisions for Your Wildlife Hotline: A Worksheet
Sample List of Area-Specific Information
Sample List of Contact Organizations
Sample Wildlife Intake Form
Sample Hotline Call Log

Appendix 6: Public Education Literature

Urban Wildlife: To Feed or not to Feed
Live Trapping: Another Look at the “Humane” Alternative

Appendix 7: Credits

A review of Answering the Call of the Wild by Anne Miller can be found here.

A review of Answering the call of the Wild by Vicki Davis can be found here.

By Erin Luther

2010

Total number of pages: 503

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