(As reprinted from Erin Neihouse Cooksey of Roo’s Corner)

1. Call us as soon as you find orphaned or injured wildlife. Not in 12 hours, not in two days, immediately.

2. Ignore all the websites that tell you how to make home-made formula but pay attention to all the ones that say, “DO NOT FEED ANYTHING TO THE BABY!”

3. Believe us when we say, “Put the bunny back.”

4. Rehabilitators receive no state assistance and rely on their own pocket money or donations just like most animal rescues. Slip a monetary donation into the blankets next to the orphan you just brought in or ask if they can use anything supply related. No amount is too small. Not only does it help provide for that baby, it also serves as a reminder that the rehabber is appreciated!

5. Driving reduces the resources and time available for the care of animals so most rehabbers aren't always able to make the drive to pick up patients. Instead they depend on finders and volunteers to get the animals to where they need to be. If at all possible, offer to bring the baby directly to the caregiver.

6. Patiently answer each question you’re asked no matter how silly or irrelevant it seems.

7. Put the bunny back.

8. Give ample time for a rehabber to call you back. Most rehabbers have full-time jobs and families in addition to sick and injured wild animals to care for and won’t always be able to answer immediately.

9. Cooperate when asked to follow steps aimed at reuniting an infant with its parents. An animal has the best chance of survival when raised by its natural parents.

10. Seriously... put the bunny back.