03/20/2025
It’s officially baby season, so i’m sharing this again!
Tips about finding WILDLIFE that you should know:
1. Do not feed them. It’s natural that we find animals and immediately assume that they are hungry, and they could be BUT keeping them warm and in a dark quiet place is the best thing to do until you speak to a rehabber.
2. Feeding wildlife babies of any kind any type of cow’s milk, infant formula, or breast milk is fatal.
3. Feeding a cold baby, even the correct milk, is fatal.
4. Not properly hydrating them prior to introducing milk, can be fatal.
5. there is a process that we follow that flushes out the mother’s milk and slowly introduces the PROPER replacement milk to acclimate the gut. Most people don’t know how to do this correctly without training.
6. Specie specific milk with all the correct additives is key, and isn’t sold at Walmart, petsmart, or feed stores.
7. Licensed rehabbers keep these specific milks on hand at all times and are prepared.
8. Licensed rehabbers have the experience to treat, feed, and properly care for wildlife.
9. Wild animals ARE NOT and WILL NOT be good pets, despite you knowing someone who has had a pet possum once and “swears” they are amazing to have.
10. It is 100% illegal to have any wildlife animals in your possession at anytime and yes, wildlife and fisheries agents will absolutely show up, confiscate the animal and issue citations. Trust me, I see this often.
If you ever find injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife, contact a licensed rehabber immediately. Luke Guidroz and I are both licensed rehabbers and you can find a list of other licensed rehabbers at
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. The department issues hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, as well as boat titles and registrations.
