Mammal Reunions
Finding a baby rabbit, raccoon, or squirrel alone on the ground can be heartbreaking. Our instinct is often to scoop them up and take them to safety—but in many cases, that “rescue” may actually separate them from a perfectly capable and attentive mother.
The truth is: wild mammal mothers are excellent caregivers, and reuniting a baby with its mom is almost always the best and most natural outcome. In fact, most mothers will return for their young if given a safe chance.
Finding a baby rabbit, raccoon, or squirrel alone on the ground can be heartbreaking. Our instinct is often to scoop them up and take them to safety, but in many cases, we may actually separate them from a capable and attentive mother.
The truth is: wild mammal mothers are excellent caregivers, and reuniting a baby with its mom is almost always the best and most natural outcome. Most mothers will return for their young if given a safe chance.
Here’s how to help responsibly, with minimal human interference, and give that baby the best chance to grow up wild.
First: Assess the Situation
Before taking any action, make sure the animal needs help.
A baby mammal may not be orphaned if:
It’s plump, quiet, and appears clean and healthy
It’s in a safe, natural position (not flailing or injured)
The mother may simply be hiding nearby or foraging
It is a healthy baby rabbit that is the size of a lemon or larger.
It is a healthy baby opossum that is at least seven inches in length from nose to base of the tail.
Only attempt reunification if:
The baby is not injured, cold, bleeding, or visibly ill
It was likely moved from the nest or den by a weather event
You know the location it was originally found
If the baby is injured, dehydrated, thin, or you can’t locate where it came from, do not attempt to reunite. Instead, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator right away.
Second: Reunite the Baby with Its Mom
If the baby appears healthy and you know where it was found, follow these steps to attempt a reunion.
Create a Safe Nesting Spot: Use a shallow box, basket, or small bin. Line it with soft cloths or paper towels. Avoid using anything with loose strings that can tangle limbs. Place a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel in the nest to keep the baby warm. Warmth is vital for survival and signals to the mother that the baby is alive and healthy.
Place the Box Near the Original Location: Put the box as close as possible to where the baby was found, on the ground, near the base of a tree, shrub, or burrow entrance. If there’s risk of flooding or predators, elevate it slightly on bricks or a low platform.
Leave a note if it's a public area, so others don’t mistakenly attempt to rescue the baby again.
Leave the Area and Observe from a Distance: Wild mothers will not return if they sense humans nearby. Watch from a window or at least 100 feet away. Check on the baby periodically, but keep distance and minimize noise or disturbance.
Always wear gloves when handling wildlife. Even baby mammals can carry and transmit disease, including potentially deadly ones such as rabies.
How Long Should You Wait?
This depends on the species and time of day.
Fawns (Baby Deer):
Moms only visit a few times a day, often at dusk or dawn.
Leave undisturbed for up to 24 hours, checking occasionally from afar.
Baby Rabbits:
Mothers only visit the nest 1–2 times per day, usually at night.
If the baby is warm and appears fed (round belly, no wrinkled skin), leave overnight to see if she returns.
Baby rabbits are independent at a young age, when they are about the size of a lemon. At this size, they do not need assistance unless injured or sick.
Nocturnal Animals (e.g., Raccoons, Opossums, Foxes):
These moms are active at night and often retrieve babies after dark.
Leave the baby out overnight and check early the next morning.
Baby opossums are independent when they are roughly seven inches long from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. At this size, they do not need assistance unless injured or sick.
Diurnal Animals (e.g., Squirrels, Chipmunks):
These moms are active during the day and return to the nest frequently.
Leave the baby 6-8 hours, checking in on them from afar.
Signs That Reunification Was Successful
The baby is gone, and no signs of disturbance are present.
You may see the mother briefly, especially at dawn or dusk.
No vocalizing or movement heard from the box.
If the baby is still there after 24 hours, appears cold or weak, or begins calling out loudly, it's time to step in. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for next steps.
A Few Important Reminders
Don’t feed the baby. Feeding can cause harm or aspiration if done incorrectly.
Don’t keep the baby indoors. This prevents mom from finding it and delays critical care.
Don’t try to raise it yourself. Wild mammals require specialized care and must be raised with others of their species to avoid imprinting. Most states require permits for individuals looking to raise wild animals, even when they plan to release them.
When in Doubt, Call for Help
If you're unsure about what to do, always consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before moving or attempting to reunite a baby mammal. They can guide you based on the species and situation.
Find help at:
Animal Help Now
Remember:
The best mother for a wild baby is its own. With warmth, quiet observation, and patience, you can give mom the chance to come back and do what she does best. Most of the time, a gentle assist from you is all she needs.