Fur, Feathers, and Scales

It was not your typical baby shower! The Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosted this one to support the wildlife babies who are under their care at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. According to Lauren Barkley, Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager, June 14th was the 10th annual baby shower where residents dropped off items to benefit the babies currently admitted during the 2025 baby season, which started in April.

Each spring, the longer days and warming temperatures trigger the breeding season for native wildlife, resulting in a surge of young wild animal admissions. During the 2024 baby season, 937 mammals, 723 birds, and 45 reptiles were admitted. Barkley added that from April 1st to June 14, 2025, 316 baby birds, 10 baby reptiles, and 180 mammals were admitted. That’s a total of 506 most at-risk patients, and this does not include the adult animals in their care.

“The babies are the future of our native wildlife, and this is a critical time of their life,” said Barkley. “By donating, you are helping them grow and receive the proper nutrition to get back into the wild.” Barkley provided helpful tips on deciding whether a baby animal needs assistance. If you encounter a baby bird on the ground, take a few minutes to observe the situation. Are parents flying around nearby? Does it have feathers? If not, it is a nestling and very vulnerable to predators, so you may need to bring it to von Arx. Photos and videos will also help the Wildlife Hospital with proper assessment.

If you encounter baby opossums, you will definitely need to bring them in, according to Barkley. Baby opossums should always be inside their mother’s pouch or on her back. And being on the ground means they have fallen off, and she is not coming back. Squirrel babies on the ground are also very vulnerable and need to be brought in. Squirrels are tree nesters, and if babies are on the ground, it means they have fallen - there could be trauma, and mom may or may not come down to grab them. If you find baby bunnies, the best thing is to leave them alone and call von Arx for assessment or tips.

Sometimes you might find baby water turtles or hatchlings, which means they are lost looking for the water. According to Barkley, if they have not found water, they are tired and dehydrated, and best to bring them in.

Barkley also shared that they have had calls on barn owl chicks or nestlings on the ground. If you see a raptor chick on the ground, it is important to call von Arx Wildlife Hospital to assess the situation. It will need coordination with a tree service to get them back up to their nest with the family.

They also had a baby otter, which they don’t get often, according to Barkley. But sometimes, near canals or culverts, you might hear chirping or crying, and the family might be nearby. She cautioned NOT to rescue otters by yourself as they are part of a “rabies vector species,” and you will need proper precautions and equipment for the rescue. It is best to call the Wildlife Hospital for assistance.

The following is a list of local species that finders/rescuers should take precautions with: otters, raccoons, bats, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and feral cats.

If you are unsure of how to proceed after encountering a baby or an adult wildlife near you, it is best to call von Arx Wildlife Hospital and speak with one of their wildlife professionals at 239-262-2273. They are open for admissions from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM 365 days a year.

Though the Wildlife Baby Shower event is over, “We modify that list based on the animals that are admitted into our care,” Barkley said. And that includes injured burrowing owls and gopher tortoises from Marco Island. There is an Amazon Wish List and a Chewy.com wish list for people who would like to donate. There is also a dedicated donate page for the specific injured animal’s needs.