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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 18, 1993                   TAG: 9304150191
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

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ADVICE FOR HANDLING INJURED ANIMALS

The Wildlife Center of Virginia has the following advice regarding injured or orphaned animals:

Injured animals need immediate, professional attention. An animal that receives help right away has the best chance for a full recovery.

Observe unattended young carefully to determine if they are truly orphaned. Remember, a wild animal's natural parent can take far better care of it than we can.

Handle all wild animals gently and with caution. Use heavy leather gloves, or cover the animal with a towel or cloth and pick up carefully. Transport in a secure box, if possible, making sure there is adequate ventilation.

Keep any orphaned or injured animal warm and quiet, avoiding unnecessary contact with humans or pets.

Suspect rabies in any adult wild mammal that is not afraid of humans. Skunks and raccoons are the most common carriers and often don't exhibit signs of diseases.

It is illegal to keep most wild animals.

For help or more information, call the Wildlife Center directly at 234-WILD.

The Wildlife Center is staffed seven days a week, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends. There is always a veterinarian on call for emergencies.

Anyone may bring in injured wildlife for treatment. There is no charge for services. However, in order to provide an atmosphere in which injured animals can recuperate, the hospital is not open to the general public.

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