Think Wild sees big surge in spring calls, offers tips for how to care for wildlife you encounter out and about

(Update: Adding video, comments from Think Wild)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  A Bend animal rehabilitation center is seeing an uptick in calls this spring. Think Wild provides medical care for injured wildlife from Central and parts of Eastern Oregon. This time of year, squirrels and owls are the most common patients.

"This winter was somewhat mild," Pauline Hice, the nonprofit's director of wildlife rehabilitation, said Wednesday. "So maybe animals were more, or more wildlife were active when in historic (times). Historically, they may have not been, because weather wasn't really permitting."

Just this Tuesday alone, the Think Wildlife hotline received 15 calls. Staff members have seen a 30 percent increase in calls year to year, with about 3,000 received annually.

Development and Communications Coordinator Molly Honea said, "We just released Merlin, a small falcon back to the wild yesterday (Tuesday) that had been in our care for a few months. So it's a pretty cool feeling to see them go back to the wild."

The public plays a key role in rescues - and there are important guidelines to ensure the safety of the animal.

Honea said, "If you find an animal that is injured or orphaned, it's best to observe it from a distance and monitor it to see if it's a baby animal. The parents might be nearby and may come back."

An important don't -  do not feed any wildlife, especially babies. 

Hice said, "That animal gets a second chance of life, essentially. So it's pretty rewarding. But also, what's really rewarding about working here is working with all the really passionate community members."

 When summer comes, Think Wild expects to treat baby birds - raptors, owls and hawks. To report an injured or orphaned bird or animal, you can call or text Think Wild's wildlife hotline.

Here is some info from Think Wild on the topic of baby wildlife:

Spring is here, and so are the baby wildlife! Our hotline calls have been picking up significantly, and we've even had a few baby patients already.

Here are some tips to follow if you encounter baby wildlife: 

Baby wildlife are often left alone while the parent hunts or forages. Do not assume a baby animal is orphaned just because they are alone - wait to see if the parent returns.

If you find a baby bird on the ground, look for the parents or a nest to safely return them to. Sometimes they fall to the ground while fledging or in a storm.

If you find a baby mammal, leave them be while you wait for a parent from a distance. If in danger, you can move the baby to a safer location wearing gloves.

Do not feed wildlife, especially babies! Improper diet lacks necessary nutrition and can be lethal to the animal.

If you suspect an animal is injured or orphaned, or have any questions about wildlife, call or text Think Wild's wildlife hotline: (541) 241-8680.