PHOTO VIA AUSTIN GILLIS/ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF MARSHALLTOWN Marshall County Conservation Naturalist Emma Brucka and Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown Executive Director Austin Gillis recently shared tips on caring for animals, including cats, during the springtime nesting and breeding season.

Warmer weather, an increase in food availability and longer daytime hours combine to make springtime the main nesting and breeding season for many animals in Central Iowa. Because of this, people may come across baby animals and assume they’ve been abandoned. Marshall County Conservation Naturalist Emma Bruck and Marshalltown Animal Rescue League Executive Director Austin Gillis share insights into understanding when or if to intervene in an animal’s welfare.

Bruck points out that in most cases, a parent is nearby and still caring for the young.

“For example, rabbits will leave their babies alone for most of the day and only return briefly (often at dawn and dusk) to feed them,” Bruck said. “This helps avoid attracting predators. If you find a nest of baby rabbits, the best thing to do is leave it alone and monitor from a distance. If you’re unsure whether the mother is returning, you can place a small piece of grass or string in a pattern over the nest and check back in 24 hours. If it’s been disturbed, she’s likely come back. Only reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator if you have clear signs the young are truly abandoned or the parent has not returned, as unnecessary removals can overwhelm rehabilitators and reduce the chances of successful care for animals that truly need it.”

If a creature appears injured, help is available. She suggests contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead of attempting to care for the animal yourself.

“In our area, we don’t have a rehabilitator located directly in Marshall County, but nearby resources include Iowa Bird Rehabilitation in Des Moines (for birds), the Iowa Wildlife Center in Ames, and Wildthunder Wildlife & Animal Rehabilitation & Sanctuary in Independence. These organizations have the training and permits needed to properly care for wild animals,” she said.

If a nest looks damaged, Bruck said it’s best to not try to fix it. If the nest simply fell from a tree, you could attempt to put it back gently.

“Birds do not abandon their young because of human scent, but excessive disturbance can still cause stress,” she noted.

Warmer weather also brings the arrival of kittens. Since cats are domestic animals, the Animal Rescue League and other animal shelters can better assist.

“Spring is always a busy season for us at the Animal Rescue League, and one of the biggest issues we see this time of year is well‒intentioned people accidentally ‘kit‒napping’ newborn kittens,” Gillis said.

Gillis echoed the wait and watch approach Bruck mentioned of wildlife.

“A mother cat has to leave her kittens to eat, hunt, or move them one by one. She’s almost always coming back,” he noted.

Gillis said people who want to help should keep these points in mind: Don’t move newborn kittens. Milk from the mother cat is better than formula. Use the four‒hour rule and observe from a distance.

“A simple circle of flour around the nest can help confirm whether mom has returned,” he added.

Instead of taking the kittens to another location, you can put out food, water and a basic shelter nearby for them to have a better place to live.

“Intervene later, not sooner. Around five to six weeks old is the right time for human help — kittens can be socialized and adopted, and the mother can be trapped and spayed,” Gillis said.

In most cases, Bruck noted, it’s best not to bring a wild animal into your residence.

“Even if it appears abandoned, young animals have very specific dietary and care needs, and improper care can do more harm than good. The best course of action is always to contact a wildlife rehabilitator,” she said. “If you find an injured animal, keep a safe distance, minimize stress, and call a professional as soon as possible. Avoid feeding or giving water unless instructed by a rehabilitator.”

If you do handle a wild animal, wash your hands afterward. Bats and skunks can harbor rabies while deer may have Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Squirrels can carry Salmonella, Lyme disease, ringworm and more. Ticks in Iowa transmit diseases including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis, according to the Iowa DNR.

“People want to help, and that’s a good thing. But in springtime, helping often means stepping back and giving wildlife and community cats the space they need to do what nature designed them to do,” Gillis said. “Bottom line: We want the public to know that rescuing too early can unintentionally put kittens at risk. With a little patience and the right timing, we can protect both the mother and her babies.”