What You Need to Know if You Find a Wild Baby Animal in Shreveport

It's baby season here in the Ark-La-Tex, and critters of all types are dropping litters. Sometimes in heavily populated areas!

Sometimes, unfortunately, tragedy strikes and these babies are left to fend for themselves. If you happen to run across one of these poor babies, there are things you can do to help.

The organization, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation of Louisiana (WERLA) offers their services to help rescue these babies or other animals that are injured or cannot survive alone.

The process is simple. Just call the number (318)-405-2282 and tell them what kind of animal you have and what condition it is in. Then, they will instruct you on where to go so that they can pick it up.

I just recently had an encounter with a small opossum who's mother died under my house. I had been seeing him for a day or so, before finally being able to catch him. It's smart to use caution with the handling of any wild animal, but for the most part baby opossums are fairly harmless.

I scooped him up in to a cardboard box and called the fine folks at WERLA. They directed me to a meeting spot, and picked the little guy up. I filled out some short paper work, was given a pamphlet, and sent on my way wishing Godspeed to the baby!

The volunteers at WERLA work tirelessly to ensure the animals they rescue reach full recovery and are able to be released in a safe location in the wild.

Be sure to keep an eye out over the spring and summer for these abandoned babies. If they look too small, and are not afraid of you, it's very likely that they are not suited to survive on their own. Be sure to take action so that they can live a long and happy life!