Baby cottontail rabbits can be seen floating down flooded roadways and bayous clinging to pieces of debris. Nests have fallen from trees due to the wind and rain putting many baby birds in danger. In addition, baby ducks are also at risk from being swept away their mother's protection.

Sharon Schmalz, WR&E Executive Director says that if the baby is wet, cold, injured, covered with ants, fly eggs, maggots or is very weak, immediate action must be taken to save his/her life. Do not bring the baby into the air conditioning unless you place him in a box (large enough to stand up and move around in a little bit), on a heating pad set on LOW. Hypothermia (becoming too cold) is life threatening. Almost all wildlife, with the notable exception of the opossum, have internal temperatures that are higher than ours and because of their small body mass chill easily. If a heating pad (set on low) is not available, dry uncooked rice can be placed in a sock and heated for 30 45 seconds in a microwave. When using an external heat source, check the animal frequently to prevent overheating. Place the animal in a quiet warm place and contact WR&E for more information. She also asks that people not feed or water the animals! Great harm can come to an animal that is fed the wrong food, at the wrong time or the wrong way.

Schmalz wants to remind people the center is open to care for these animals Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. The Wildlife Center has also had an increase interest in people who wanted to volunteer so they will be adding an extra volunteer orientation Saturday May 2 from 2:00-3:30. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the center at 713-861-9453. The WR&E center is a non-profit organization that cares for injured or orphaned wildlife coming from a nine county area.

The mission of the Wildlife Rehab and Education Center is to care for injured or orphaned wildlife through rehabilitation and public education. For more information or directions to WR&E, call 713-861-WILD (9453) or visit their web site at www.wrande.org.