wildlife exam part 3

True or False. Nursing mammals should be held like human babies when being fed, on their backs.

False. A good rule of thumb is to simulate the natural feeding posture, e.g. an infant squirrel should be on all four feet with its head at a 30-40 degree angle. Feeding should be done in a quiet, low stress area.

True or False. A healthy young opossum, 10 inches or longer (including its tail), is still in need of care.

False. A ten inch opossum is approximately three and a half months old. At this age they will be fully furred and eating on their own. They may be ready for release if they weigh over one and one half to two pounds.

True or False. A NYSDEC rehabilitation license is the only license required for caring for mammals and reptiles, but not most birds.

True. A federal license is required before anyone can handle federally protected migratory birds. Therefore to handle these birds you must have both a state and federal license and will report to both agencies.

True or False. A federal license is required for a NY state licensed wildlife rehabilitator to work with migratory birds.

True. A federal license is required for a New York State licensed wildlife rehabilitator to work with migratory birds. They are protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service federal regulations.

True or False. Whenever possible, stress should be avoided while handling and examining an animal for medical problems.

True. Doing too much, too quickly can cause more stress and possible death to the animal.

True or False. When a nestling bird fledges, it cannot be contained in a nest and should be moved into a larger cage.

True. Fledglings are well feathered, can stand, perch and flutter, but are not yet able to fly. It is at this time that they will leave the nest for good. They should be moved to a larger cage, so they may exercise more freely while learning to fly.

True or False. To help with development of natural behavior, hand raised baby birds are best raised with conspecifics (species of their own kind).

True. For proper psychological development birds should be raised with the same species. This is critical for looking for mates further in life and for socialization within the species.

True or False. Adhering to a regular feeding schedule is as important as feeding the proper diet.

True. Frequency of feeding is as important as feeding a balanced diet. A routine scheduled feeding keeps food moving through an animal's gastrointestinal system at a constant rate. Erratic feeding can cause food to be digested incompletely and may cause illness. Recommended frequencies vary from species to species

True or False. A double wired cage is a good way to protect patients from predators.

True. Having two layers of wire on a cage makes it difficult for predators to reach into a cage and grab a patient. Double wire is a requirement for RVS (Rabies Vector Species) housing. Double entry doors are required for RVS (Rabies Vector Species) and avian housing. The interior wall can be made of slats, netting or wire depending on the species being rehabilitated, but exterior walls should be wired and/or slatted.

True or False. When raising young animals it is important to minimize human contact and dependence.

True. Imprinting and taming is a major concern of wildlife rehabilitation, and it must be avoided. Socialization with other animals of similar species in age is critical to the proper development of the animal. It is highly recommended to network among other licensed wildlife rehabilitators to avoid raising one juvenile of a species alone.

True or False. Imprinting occurs before the young birds leave the nest

True. Imprinting helps to insure the young bird will follow the parents and learn the correct responses to life in the wild. In precocial birds, imprinting occurs typically within the first 36 hours after hatching. In altricial species, the critical period for imprinting is more variable, usually occurring between the development of vision and the development of fear of predators.

True or False. When handling an animal, safety of the person restraining or rescuing the animal is the first and foremost concern.

True. Safety should always be your first priority.

True or False. It is possible to roughly determine an animal's caloric requirements by knowing its bodyweight.

True. See reference books, such as Project Wildlife's rehabilitation guide to learn medical math.

True or False. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators should attempt to obtain a detailed history and as much background information as possible on each animal admitted.

True. Standard practice upon intake is to ask as many questions as possible. Records are necessary and the information provided will help to determine the animals treatment regime and its eventual release. It is helpful to have a predetermined list of essential questions on an intake form.

True or False. Formula must be warmed to body temperature before feeding.

True. Temperature is critical because scalding can occur if too hot and regurgitation if too cold.

True or False. For their size, growing, juvenile animals have greater caloric requirements than adults.

True. The additional energy is needed to form the new bones and tissues.

True or False. During a physical exam, one simple rule to aid in determining abnormalities is to look for physical bilateral symmetry.

True. The left side should be a mirror image of the right side in all animals. If something is not symmetrical it is a sign of an underlying injury.

True or False. Tube-feeding mixes for emaciated animals should be elemental diets that require little energy to digest.

True. There are multiple steps to treating emaciated animals and it is the licensed rehabilitator's job to be familiar with this type of care.

True or False. Esbilac(D), KMR, Multi Milk, Zoologics and Fox Valley formulas are the common milk replacers used for rearing most orphaned wild mammals.

True. These are all recommended milk replacers. Use what is readily available to you.

True or False. A towel or blanket, heavy (e.g. welder's) gloves and eye protection are three basic items useful for handling animals.

True. These are standard tools for proper capture and transport. They insure the safety of both the capturer and the animal.

True or False. Catchpoles and nets can be useful for catching larger animals.

True. These tools allow you to quickly subdue the animal from a safe distance

True or False. Calcium and phosphorus must be in correct balance in an animal's diet to ensure proper bone development and prevent bone abnormalities.

True. These vital minerals are necessary in the correct balance to ensure proper bone development.

Outdoor caging for wild animals should encompass the following:

a. access to sunlight and rain, as well as protection from the elements b. adequate space for exercise c. stimuli for eliciting natural behaviors d. all of the above D

Records and information taken by licensed wildlife rehabilitators should include which of the following?

a. admittance data: background information on the animal b. physical exam information c. treatments and daily observations d. all of the above D

When a bird is ready to be housed outdoors, its cage must:

a. be well protected and have sufficient hiding areas b. have perches of appropriate diameters c. have places for the bird to sun itself on cool days and plenty of shade in hot weather d. all of the above D

Metabolic bone disease can result from which of the following problems?

a. calcium deficiency b. vitamin D deficiency c. Improper calcium:phosphorous ratio d. all of the above D

Indoor caging for wildlife should encompass the following:

a. can be easily cleaned and sterilized b. have adequate ventilation c. contain a visual barrier to human activity d. all of the above D

Which of the following observations might help in the determining a wild animal's condition?

a. color and consistency of the bowel movements b. breathing pattern c. posture and head position when standing d. all of the above D

Identifying a species can help determine

a. diet b. housing c. release criteria d. all of the above D

Accurate body weights are necessary in determining which of the following?

a. fluids for replacement or maintenance b. caloric requirements c. proper growth or maintenance d. all of the above D

In a rehabilitation situation, weaned black bears should be fed:

a. fruits b. vegetables c. rodents d. all of the above D

Providing heat to help an animal maintain normal body temperature and may treat the symptoms of shock. Which of the following methods is an appropriate source of warmth?

a. heating pad b. incubator c. infrared lamp d. all of the above D

Which of the following would affect a snake's appetite:

a. stress b. humidity c. temperature d. all of the above D

True or False. An animal's drinking water should be changed once a week.

false. Drinking water should not be soiled. Changing water frequently will prevent bacteria growth and keep the animals healthy.

Where should the highest perch in an aviary should be placed

on the inside/solid wall of the cage

To transport small birds to a federally licensed rehabilitator or cooperating veterinarian:

place it in a brown paper bag or cardboard box

Your facility is fully occupied and further caseloads would compromise your standard of care, your responsible options for the possibility of accepting another incoming, injured animal are:

refer the person finding the animal to another licensed wildlife rehabilitator

If you are called to pick up a five-day-old screech owl, which has fallen out of the nest cavity and has no obvious injuries, the best thing to do is:

return the owlet to the nest cavity, if at all possible

In rescuing an animal in the field, the licensed wildlife rehabilitator's paramount concern is:

safety to the people involved

The preferred food of a Canada lynx is:

snowshoe hare

What two factors are necessary to know before beginning care of any animal?

species identification and general age of the animal

While feeding a young squirrel, you notice milk bubbles around the nose and mouth. You should:

stop feeding, wipe the surplus off, and hold the head down and gently shake or rub in between the shoulders

When supplementing an animal's diet with vitamins and minerals:

talk to your cooperating veterinarian first

What is the proper calcium:phosphorous ratio in an adult animal?

1:1 to 2:1

Black bear cubs are weaned at what age?

22-26 weeks

When feeding fish-eating birds, such as herons or egrets in captivity it is essential to supplement their diet with which of the following vitamins?

B1

Eye protection is especially important when handling

Bitterns, herons, egrets, loons, & cormorants

Which of the following statements is not true about baby cottontail rabbits?

During the first week, they are kept warm by the mother who stays with them in a fur- lined nest

True or False. When feeding a juvenile in your care, it is better to over feed to be sure they get enough than to under feed.

False. When feeding a young animal, overfilling of the stomach can lead to discomfort with subsequent curdling or souring of the meal before it can be digested adequately.

True or False. Wire cage tops are good for game birds.

False. When pheasants are startled they shoot straight up in the air and can damage their heads. They can also be caught by smart predators, like hawks and raccoons.

True or False. Palpating muscle mass is as good a method of determining weight and body condition as actually weighing the animal.

False. Accurate weight is the starting point to determine condition and develop a treatment plan. It is important to weigh a rehabilitating animal regularly to be sure they are gaining weight. Weight gain is a sign of proper recovery.

True or False. The first step in counteracting emaciation or starvation in an animal is to encourage them to eat a normal diet.

False. After having lost a large portion of its normal body weight, you do not want the debilitated animal to use its last remaining calories trying to digest food. It is much better to feed it a diet composed of simple molecules, such as amino acids and dextrose, which requires little energy for absorption. Consult with your cooperating veterinarian.

True or False. In a captive situation, a wild animal offered a variety of foods will always eat those foods that are good for it.

False. Animals will often choose a favorite or convenient food. This is not necessarily the most nutritious choice.

True or False. It is not necessary to perform a routine physical exam on an animal if there are no obvious problems.

False. Any wild animal which can be captured easily by a person is most likely in a weak condition. Just because there are no obvious wounds does not mean this animal is healthy. Medical problems with subtle signs may be discovered by thorough physical examinations.

True or False. Baby rabbits should be fed every 3 to 4 hours during the day

False. Baby rabbits only need to be fed 2 times every 24 hours: dawn and dusk. Between feedings they are best left in a quiet, warm location.

True or False. Placing an orphaned bird into another nest of the same species with two similarly aged chicks is a bad idea because the parents would not feed it.

False. Birds do not have the ability to count, so they will not be alarmed by the addition of a similarly aged chick to their nest. This is a good method for handling orphaned chicks provided the parents can handle another mouth to feed. This method will work for many song bird species, but with raptors additional expertise is necessary.

True or False. It is important not to touch a baby bird with your bare hands when placing it back in a nest because mother birds are frightened by human scent.

False. Birds have a poorly developed sense of smell. If human hands have touched a baby bird, it is not true that its mother will reject it, but gloves should always be worn to prevent disease transmission.

True or False. The normal body temperature for all mammals is 98.6°F.

False. Body temperatures vary depending on species.

True or False. A chicken wire cage will provide adequate housing for raptors.

False. Chicken wire should never be used because it can cause great damage to a raptor's feathers and feet when they attempt to get out of the cage, and they may injure themselves against the wire. Small diameter welded wire is sometimes used on the outside of the cage, but is combined with slatted wood and/or netting on the inside which prevents the bird from coming in contact with the wire.

True or False. Upon admission of a young cottontail, it is important to start them on full strength formula.

False. Cottontails should be fed diluted formula at first.

True or False. To safely transfer a fawn in a vehicle, you should bind their legs and place a bag over their head to minimize stress and danger for them and the captor.

False. Do not cover their heads. Deer experience capture myopathy very easily when they cannot see or hear what is happening around them. If they cannot move and feel trapped, they can go into shock and very easily die. Young deer can be transported in a large dog crate.

True or False. Young Black bear are easily captured by using gardening gloves and a blanket

False. Even as cubs, these animals are extremely strong and very dangerous.

True or False. It is a good idea to keep live fish in the swimming water of fish eating birds

False. Fish give off oils that can destroy the waterproofing on feathers. Fish should be put in separate feeding bowls of water and changed after the fish are eaten. Drinking or swimming water should be kept clean at all times. Do not allow them to swim in the water containing fish.

True or False. As long as a nutritionally balanced diet is provided for orphans, the frequency of feeding is not important.

False. Frequency of feeding is as important as feeding a balanced diet. A routine scheduled feeding keeps food moving through an animal's gastrointestinal system at a constant rate. Erratic feeding can cause food to be digested incompletely and may cause illness. Recommended frequencies vary from species to species.

True or False. Raw hamburger is a good basic diet for most carnivorous birds.

False. Hamburger is not a natural diet for wildlife and you may expose your animals to E-coli bacteria. Some meats are high in phosphorous and can contribute to calcium imbalance.

True or False. Young mammals need extra handling and attention when they are being raised by humans to help them feel secure.

False. Handling an animal more than needed, may imprint or tame animals and make them non-releasable. Excessive handling will also increase the stresses of captivity, delay healing and recovery.

True or False. Big water dishes should be left in cages with ducklings so they can swim whenever they want.

False. If ducklings are left with free access to water they could become soaked, cold and die. Limit swimming time to several short sessions a day. This will allow for proper waterproof development.

True or False. Imping damaged feathers is common practice for all federally licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

False. Imping is the way to replace damaged feathers with new ones. While easy to do, this is a procedure that requires training. It requires experience and access to exact matches of the damaged ones. It should only be attempted under the supervision of an experienced Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator or a falconer. It is better to prevent damage from happening in the first place.

True or False. Imprinting occurs at the same age in precocial birds as it does in altricial birds.

False. In precocial birds, imprinting occurs typically within the first 36 hours after hatching. In altricial species, the critical period for imprinting is more variable, usually occurring between the development of vision and the development of fear of predators.

True or False. Nestling birds should be housed in large containers with plenty of space for movement.

False. It is important to keep a nestling in a small, make-shift nest which will support the bird's body and head. If a nestling is given too much space, it will be unable to raise its head to eat and its legs may become splayed. Support by the nest is necessary at this stage to maintain the correct posture for normal bone growth. Reminder: do not use the natural nest which may contain parasites.

True or False. Providing fluids, such as Lactated Ringer's solution, to a debilitated animal will take care of an animal's caloric requirements.

False. Lactated Ringer's solution contains water and several electrolytes (molecules such as sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate)and are useful for hydration. However, these solutions do not contain any protein, fat or carbohydrates, so they do not provide any calories.

True or False. Once a baby bird has been touched by humans, its mother will reject it.

False. Most birds have a very poor sense of smell and will not reject the baby. They should always be reunited with their parent(s) whenever possible.

True or False. Muskrat are aquatic rodents that prefer to feed on young waterfowl.

False. Muskrat are aquatic animals that prefer to eat aquatic plant stems and roots. Other food is sometimes consumed, but the majority of their diet is vegetation.

True or False. It is okay to house a wild reptile that you are rehabilitating in the same enclosure as a pet reptile.

False. Once a native reptile has contact with a pet reptile it has potentially been exposed to pathogens that can harm the native population and can no longer be released.

True or False. The clinical signs or symptoms of rabies and distemper are distinctive enough for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to determine the difference in a wild animal.

False. Only laboratory examinations can differentiate between these two diseases. Several diseases often display the same symptoms. Proper precaution should always be taken when rabies is a possibility.

True or False. Pigeons and doves are fed the same diet and with the same technique as other young birds

False. Pigeons and doves are fed "crop milk" which is regurgitated by their parents for the first few days. Several formulas exist for substitutes. Do not feed mammalian milk. These birds have a crop, which holds a great deal of food, so they don't have to be fed as often (every couple of hours, depending on age).

True or False. There is no need to isolate young animals to avoid the spread of contagious disease.

False. Quarantine is an important procedure to implement when housing large numbers of animals. Any newly acquired animal, young or old, should be isolated from all others to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

It is important to clean rabbit cages frequently so they will not eat their feces

False. Rabbits ingest the first feces of the day, which contain large amounts of protein & vitamins. This process is called coprophagy and is a normal and necessary process in the life of a rabbit. Cages should be cleaned daily.

True or False. Tube-feeding can be used routinely in any healthy mammal.

False. Repeated tube feeding can cause throat irritation, and you run the risk of accidentally inserting in the lungs and aspiration.

true or False. It is easy to meet the psychological and physical needs of a river otter in a hospital cage.

False. River otters need access to water for swimming. Denying access to water for long periods will increase anxiety and stress levels.

True or False. Perches should be firmly fastened to walls to prevent movement.

False. Swinging perches promote better balance and are good for healthy foot care. In the wild, branches move.

True or False. Mammals are easier to tube-feed than birds because their glottis (opening to the trachea) is visible when the mouth is opened.

False. The glottis of birds is visible at the base of the tongue, in front of the opening to the esophagus. In mammals, the glottis is located much farther back in the throat and is more difficult to visualize.

True or False. Adult Muskrats should be housed together.

False. These animals fight over housing. Only siblings would share a den in the wild. Adults should be housed alone.

True or False. Neonatal opossums are best fed from a bottle or an eyedropper.

False. These neonates do not suckle normally and only nurse very slowly on their own, and tube feeding is often the only practical method. Do not attempt this without previous experience.

True or False. Northern flying squirrels should always be housed in separate cages

False. These nocturnal animals are extremely social animals that den & feed together so should be housed together whenever possible. Be aware of possible contamination between animals. Only healthy animals can be housed together.

True or False. Tube-feeding is the preferred routine method for feeding most healthy baby animals.

False. Tube-feeding should be used as a method of feeding only when the animal refuses to eat, is too thin for solid foods, or is too weak to eat on its own. If tube- feeding is used routinely, damage may occur to the esophagus or cause aspiration concerns. However, with orphaned, nursing opossums tube-feeding may be the most practical way to feed.

True or False. A healthy reptile does not need a UVA/UVB light source.

False. UVA/UVB light sources are vital to a reptile's well-being. They maintain eating and mating behaviors and the synthesis of Vitamin D3. Without it, a reptile may stop eating, become lethargic and succumb to diseases such as metabolic bone disease.

True or False. Wild animals make good pets when hand-raised.

False. Under no circumstances are wild animals allowed to be kept as pets. The goal of the licensed wildlife rehabilitator is to release a behaviorally and physically healthy wild animal. Upon becoming sexually mature adults, most wild animals will become untrustworthy and may inflict serious injuries on humans and on domestic animals. New York State law dictates that under no circumstances are wild animals to be kept as pets.

True or False. All members of the weasel family are easy candidates for beginning licensed wildlife rehabilitators to take care of.

False. Weasels are voracious predators with sharp claws and teeth that can easily inflict injuries to their handler.

True or False. A missed feeding for a nestling bird can be made up at the next feeding by doubling the amount.

False. You cannot compensate for a missed feeding by doubling the amount on the next feeding. Some nestlings will let you know when they are full by turning away or refusing to gape. Some, such as Goldfinches, will continue to overeat and you must control this.

True or False. It is comforting for baby wild animals to be exposed to domestic animals.

False. You should never keep wild animals with domestic pets or ever consider them as surrogate parents. Dogs and cats are recognized as natural predators for many wild animals. This causes stress and stress can kill an animal. Diseases can easily pass between wildlife and domestic pets.

True or False. Food should always be offered to animals in bowls.

False. Young animals must be encouraged to forage for food, which can be accomplished by scattering food around and hiding it. This will help to promote natural behaviors and enrichment. Uneaten food must be removed daily.

You admit a red fox which is suffering from hair loss. While handling the animal with gloves, you should:

Isolate the animal and contact a cooperating veterinarian

True or False. A hole in a feeding nipple that is too large can cause leakage of formula and lead to aspiration and/or pneumonia.

True. A large opening in feeding nipples allows excess fluids into the animal's mouth. This can lead to some fluids being inhaled into the lungs (aspiration) which may lead to pneumonia.

True or False. You have a litter of three young mammals in your care, when another young mammal of the same species is brought to you. You should make sure it is healthy or isolate it until it is seen by a cooperating veterinarian.

True. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator is balancing many factors such as the potential spread of disease versus the mental health of the animal. Before adding a new animal to a healthy litter, you want to determine that the animal is healthy. To limit the spread of contagious disease, it is best to isolate newly acquired animals a minimum of seven days. Even if these animals do not appear to be ill, a period of quarantine is important. With animals showing signs of illness, isolation is essential to prevent exposure to healthy animals. Good hygiene is important in animal care. Don't share utensils, equipment, etc., between ill and healthy animals. Always work from the well to the sick animals, and wash your hands after handling each individual. Be careful when placing young opossums together. If they weigh over 200 grams they may fight or cannibalize. Rabies Vector Species will need a longer period of isolation.

rue or False. Mammals showing central nervous system symptoms should always be considered possibly rabid and should be euthanized.

True. A mammal that appears to have signs of rabies should be euthanized. It is imperative that you follow proper rabies protocol by contacting the local health department for advice. Insure that there has been no exposure to humans or domestic animals. You must also insure proper disposal of the body occurs.

True or False. When handling or restraining any animal it is imperative to know what its natural defenses are to help avoid injury to the rescuer.

True. A raptor's feet and talons are its major weapons, a heron uses its beak, and a mammal may use teeth and nails.

True or False. A prerequisite for good wildlife care is identification of the animal in question.

True. Accurate identification of the species is critical. Unless you know what you're dealing with, you won't be able to house, feed, or release it successfully.

True or False. Accipiters in captivity should always have tail guards

True. All members of the Accipiter family have long tails, are high strung and can damage their tails easily. Birds cannot be released with damaged tails

True or False. An aviary must be wider than the wingspan of a bird housed in it

True. An aviary is where a bird is encouraged to fly. If a cage is not wide enough it will cause feather damage to the primary feathers. This will affect the bird's flight ability and result in prolonged captivity, in a larger cage, until it molts.

True or False. The purpose of gavage is to provide adequate nourishment to animals unable or unwilling to self-feed

True. Animals in a weaken state cannot process the same food as healthy animals.

True or False. An emaciated animal requires special attention to correct the many physiological imbalances that occur with malnourishment.

True. Animals in a weakened state cannot process the same food as healthy animals.

True or False. An adult or older juvenile can sometimes assist with proper socialization in younger animals of the same species and also encourage foraging behavior.

True. Animals learn from viewing one another's behaviors. Surrogates may be a good choice if available. It is advisable to consult with an experienced licensed wildlife rehabilitator regarding which species can be used as surrogates when animals are housed near one another or together. You also have to be concerned with diseases and cross-contamination.

True or False. Most aquatic turtles will eat only if they are underwater.

True. Aquatic turtles eat underwater in the wild and should be fed that way in captivity.

True or False. Aspiration of formula into the lungs can lead to pneumonia.

True. Aspiration is the inhalation of fluids into the lungs. Any fluids in lungs may lead to pneumonia.

True or False. A snake preparing to shed its skin may be easily injured, or become stressed, during handling

True. Avoid handling snakes when they are preparing to shed.

True or False. You may restrict a bird's ability to breathe by holding it too tightly around the chest.

True. Birds do not have a diaphragm muscle to assist in respiration. They depend primarily on movement of the chest wall for inhalation and expiration of air. If movement of the chest wall is restricted by holding them too tightly, they will not be able to breathe properly and may die.

True or False. Whole prey items such as mice, rats and quail are the best foods for a raptor (bird of prey).

True. Birds have specialized diets. Learning their natural history is important for proper captive care.

True or False. Blue Jays scoop water into their mouths when they drink but pigeons and mourning doves suck water when they drink.

True. Blue Jays, and many birds, scoop water into their mouths using their tongue and beak like a shovel. Mourning doves are one of the few birds that actually form suction with their mouths. Make sure all birds have access to appropriatelysized water dishes relative to the size of the bird's bill and method of drinking.

True or False. A brooder is an important tool for Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators who want to rehabilitate precocial birds.

True. Brooders can be purchased or made. They provide the thermoregulation that a mother would provide for their offspring

True or False. It is important to prevent bumblefoot in birds.

True. Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection of the feet acquired frequently in captivity. Trauma to the feet predisposes a bird to this disease. Soft plastic grass carpeting or wrapping perches with hemp rope are two methods used to help protect a bird's feet. Also, make sure the bird has perches of different diameters to discourage pressure sores caused by the bird's weight being distributed improperly on the feet.

True or False. Ducklings can be fed turkey starter, non-medicated chick starter or a similar feed.

True. Care must be used when selecting any commercial food product.

True or False. Fleece blankets or baby receiving blankets are a good choice for animal bedding. While terry cloth towels can be used for restraint and handling, they should not be kept with the animals as bedding.

True. In general, this is true. Such bedding is cheap, can be laundered and disinfected, and provides good insulation. However, one must be very careful not to use bedding with tough synthetic fibers or cloth that can become unraveled and tangled around the animal. No bedding material should have holes, tears, or loose threads. This may cause suffocation or loss of toes or limbs in animals.

True or False. Formula feedings should be discontinued in the case of diarrhea in young mammals.

True. In general, when an animal has diarrhea it is a good idea to replace the formula with electrolytes for 12 - 24 hours, to give the intestinal tract a chance to rest and repair damage. Supplemental subcutaneous fluid replacement may be required. Gradually reintroduce the formula beginning with a diluted solution. Do not let babies get dehydrated. You may need to consult your cooperating veterinarian if the diarrhea continues.

True or False. Birds or mammals fed mainly a fish diet should receive supplemental thiamine (vitamin B1) to prevent a serious vitamin deficiency.

True. In their natural habitats, birds compensate for the lack of vitamin B1 in these fish by eating a wide variety of fish. But when feeding frozen fish to fish- eating birds in captivity, you must supplement the diet with vitamin B1. Supplemental thiamine should also be used for fish-eating reptiles or mammals.

True or False. Double-door entry into cages housing wild animals is an important safety feature.

True. It affords a view of the animal's location in the care and prevents their escape. Double doors are required for RVS (Rabies Vector Species) and federally governed species.

True or False. It is important to simulate the proper photoperiod (day length) for animals housed indoors.

True. It is beneficial to keep the animal's internal clock synchronized to its natural environment to aid in its re-introduction into the wild. This can be accomplished easily by setting a household timer to turn the lights on and off to match the number of hours of daylight outdoors. In addition, a UVB light should be used for growing birds or reptiles if natural light is not available.

True or False. The trachea in all birds is just behind the tongue.

True. It is important to know the location of the trachea to avoid aspiration during tube feeding.

True or False. Attention to an animal's appearance and behavior is an important aspect of wildlife care.

True. It is important to observe body posture while an animal is resting in a cage. Observing its mobility and locomotion will help you evaluate the animal's condition. Soft tissue injuries often can be missed, and this is an opportunity to make observations for abnormalities.

True or False. Appropriately sized perches and/or appropriate substrates are necessary to insure healthy feet in birds.

True. Keep in mind the bird's natural history and habitat of the bird for proper perch furnishing. A variety of sizes and textures help to maintain healthy feet

True or False. Lactobacillus is an important additive to the cottontail formula

True. Lactobacillus provides beneficial bacteria for the digestive system of young animals.

rue or False. A bird that has flown into a window sometimes only needs a couple of hours rest in a dark quiet, well-ventilated, warm box before it can recover and be released.

True. Let the bird sit and rest for a few hours. Examine the bird for injuries before placing in the box and prior to release.

True or False. Introduction of live prey into a large flight cage is an excellent way to train young raptors and predatory mammals to hunt and kill prey.

True. Live food is required in training of all young, inexperienced animals. It allows you to assess the predator's readiness for release and also enhances muscle development

True or False. It is sometimes difficult to get young precocial birds to eat in captivity.

True. Many precocial young feed primarily on insects, worms and other small moving items. It is often difficult to give them the correct stimuli in captivity. Canada geese, and other precocial species that eat plants are easier to care for.

True or False. Although adult sparrows and finches eat seeds, they feed their nestlings mostly insects.

True. Most songbird nestlings eat primarily an insect diet, no matter what they eat as an adult.

True or False. Mammals should be provided with multiple hiding places in their cages.

True. Multiple hiding places give them choices and encourage natural behaviors.

True or False. The easiest and best method for feeding very young opossums is by stomach tube-feeding (gavage).

True. Neonatal opossums do not suckle normally and only nurse very slowly on their own. Tube feeding is often the only practical method. Do not attempt this without previous experience.

rue or False. When housing raptors, the likelihood of bumblefoot can be minimized by providing perches of different diameters.

True. Perches of different diameters can help discourage pressure sores caused by the bird's weight being distributed improperly on the feet.

rue or False. Heat should be provided for young precocial birds.

True. Precocial birds are born with some feather down, their eyes open and they can walk or swim within a few hours of hatching. The mother would normally brood the chicks to provide warmth.

True or False. A feather duster can be used as a "foster" mom for precocial birds.

True. Precocial birds find safety and comfort under their mother. A natural feather duster gives them a hiding place. Be sure to hang the feather duster rather, than laying it on the floor, to help avoid the birds becoming entangled.

True or False. You should always examine the eyes of an animal with suspected head trauma.

True. Pupil size and response to light will give clues to an animal's brain condition and or viability. It is important to be able to recognize what is normal in a healthy animal. Bleeding into the chambers of the eye frequently results from head trauma and may impact vision.

True or False. Handling of adult or older juvenile cottontail rabbits causes stress, which can be as serious as any injury.

True. Rabbits are very difficult to maintain in captivity and stress easily

True or False. A recently rescued, emaciated animal should not be fed solid food.

True. This animal should be rehydrated prior to any attempt to feed it. Follow proper emaciation protocol and take the time needed to bring the animal back to a stable condition to a point where it can begin to process a normal diet.

True or False. Birds of prey will attempt to mate with the species they are imprinted on, even if it is not one of their own species

True. This is a primary reason that improperly imprinted birds must not be allowed to return to the wild. Care must always be taken to insure imprinting on humans or the wrong species does not occur. Placing an infant in direct sight of its own species helps to prevent this problem. If hand feeding, the licensed wildlife rehabilitator must be sure to have his/her face covered and should use a puppet during the feeding process.

True or False. No native New York wildlife species is capable of subsisting solely on fruit.

True. This is because fruits are very low in protein, fats and other essential nutrients. Fruits are high in sugar, and in the wild fruit would not be available all year long.

True or False. It is required that licensed wildlife rehabilitators have a cooperating veterinarian who is willing to work with them.

True. This is part of the license requirements as well as good practice. It is important to develop a good relationship with your veterinarian.

True or False. Before their eyes are open, most young mammals need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate by rubbing their genital area with a warm, wet cloth or cotton ball.

True. This simulates the licking of the mother. This should be done regularly before and after feeding, though they may not urinate and defecate every time.

True or False. In a mammal, pulling up several inches of skin along the mid-back and judging the time taken for it to return into place, is a useful test for dehydration.

True. To determine dehydration, pinch an area of loose skin along the mid-back. Once released, it should return to its normal position in 2-3 seconds. If it remains standing up, the animal is dehydrated. Adequate hydration is necessary for normal skin turgor (tension) and elasticity. Skin turgor varies somewhat with the age of the animal. The older adults and infants tend to have slower return to normal.

True or False. It is always necessary to stimulate young nursing mammals to urinate and defecate before and after each feeding, if their eyes are closed and for several days after they open.

True. Use a warm damp cotton ball. Wear gloves. In nature their mother would do this for them.

True or False. When handling a great blue heron you must be careful of its long neck and sharp beak and protect your eyes.

True. When capturing a great blue heron, no one has arms long enough to hold the bird's body at a safe distance. Their necks are so long they can injure your face. BE CAREFUL. Grab the beak or head with one hand and then tuck the bird's body under your opposite arm. Always maintain control of the head and beak. It is important to wear goggles for eye protection. Seek advice and transfer the bird immediately to a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

True or False. If fluids enter the trachea and go into the lungs it is possible for the animal to get pneumonia or even drown

True. When hand feeding any young mammal, the rate of flow of the formula should be monitored carefully. If the formula flows into the mouth too rapidly, the excess may be aspirated into the trachea, then will travel down to the lungs where an infection will develop. This is termed aspiration pneumonia. Feed slowly to ensure the liquid is swallowed properly.

True or False. Vultures, cormorants, herons and bitterns often regurgitate when frightened.

True. When restraining, it is best to keep the bird's head pointed away from yourself and others.

True or False. Keeping accurate records is an important part of rehabilitation.

True. You may use your own system but you are required to maintain both the NYSDEC and federal logs.

True or False. Young birds should be raised with others of the same species (conspecifics) whenever possible for proper socialization.

True. Young birds should be raised with other healthy birds of the same species whenever possible for proper socialization. A federal permit is required to rehabilitate migratory birds.

True or False. Cottontail rabbits are independent by about 4 weeks of age.

True. Young rabbits are independent when their eyes are round, not almond shaped, the ears are straight up and the fur is spikey, not slick to the body. Rabbits that fit this description don't need our help.

Which of the following are good food items to give to weaning cottontails?

a. Timothy hay b. clover c. dandelion greens d. all of the above D

A cage for housing a bobcat needs to have the following feature:

a. a closed roof b. hiding places c. climbing places to encourage agility and balance d. all of the above D

The use of surrogate parents helps to reduce the risk of:

a. abnormal socialization b. abnormal breeding activity c. taming or imprinting d. all of the above D

When using an external heat source to raise the body temperature of an animal you must monitor the animal carefully to prevent burns or overheating. Which of the following, if used improperly, can cause injury to the animal?

a. heating pad b. infrared lamp c. incandescent light bulb with reflectors d. all of the above D

What should a licensed wildlife rehabilitator know about an animal before deciding on the diet, care and housing of the animal?

a. identify the species b. determine the age c. natural history of the animal d. all of the above D

In treating ill or injured birds, it is essential that flight feathers be protected to facilitate the earliest possible release. Flight feathers can be protected by:

a. keeping the cage in a quiet area with a visual barrier to external stimuli b. use of a tail feather sheath c. avoiding wire cages d. all of the above D

Among the common diseases that are found in the Virginia Opossums are:

a. metabolic bone disease b. obesity c. dermal Septic Necrosis d. all of the above D

Which of the following are likely to cause stress?

a. overcrowding b. hunger c. stroking by a human d. all of the above D

Damage can be prevented to tail feathers by

a. proper perches b. using a tail guard c. proper materials in cage construction d. all of the above D

If a mammal is exhibiting signs of having difficulty swallowing, one should suspect:

a. toxic ingestion b. a foreign object in the throat c. rabies d. all of the above D

True or False. Any adult wild animal that allows humans to approach it closely is most likely sick or injured.

a. trauma b. toxin ingestion c. disease d. all of the above D

A young injured coyote is brought in for rehabilitation after being hit by a car. What is the most appropriate diet for this animal that would most closely mimic its natural diet?

a. vegetables and fruits b. raw meat only c. berries and grasses d. All of the above D

Which of the following are important questions to ask when accepting an animal for rehabilitation?

a. where was the animal found b. how long have the people had the animal and did they feed it c. was any human or pet bitten or scratched by the animal d. all of the above D

Snakes will often regurgitate their food if they:

are disturbed or handled too soon after eating if they are cold

In an outside aviary, where should water dishes be placed?

away from perches

If an adult bird of the same species is not available for imprinting orphans properly, what substitutes can be employed?

bird puppet or mirror juvenile or fledgling conspecifics (birds of the same species) In order to survive in its natural habitat, all birds must learn normal socialization skills. This is accomplished during a critical period just after birth when the baby bird is exposed to an adult of the same species. This process is termed imprinting. For precocial species (birds hatched feathered who follow their parents shortly after birth), this critical period for imprinting occurs typically within 36 hours of being hatched. In altricial species (birds hatched naked, blind and totally dependent on their parents), this critical time is more variable and occurs usually after the development of visual focus but before the development of fearful responses. If an adult of the same species is unavailable for imprinting, a surrogate is recommended. Juvenile or fledgling conspecifics, sibling conspecifics with a bird puppet, or a bird puppet alone may be used as surrogates. Birds must hear sounds of their species, so play recordings for them.

This is a bacterial infection of the feet, which is frequently acquired by raptors in captivity.

bumblefoot

Young, rapidly growing animals, birds and reptiles may develop bone abnormalities when their diets are deficient in which of the following minerals?

calcium

What are the two minerals crucial for proper bone development?

calcium and phosphorus

which of the following is not suitable for housing wild birds?

chicken wire

The licensed wildlife rehabilitator should always try to:

do no harm

Which of the following is a suitable food to give to Painted Turtles to make them begin eating

earthworms

A typical nestling songbird needs to be fed how often?

every 30 minutes dawn to evening

You have a federal license and are caring for a baby robin whose eyes are not open and is not yet feathered. This bird must imprint properly in order to be released successfully into its natural environment. To facilitate this process of imprinting, you must:

expose this young bird to the same species within the first week or two of its life

True or False. The proper method for using a catchpole on a large mammal is to encircle the loop around the animal's neck and pick it up.

false. The proper method for using a catchpole is to encircle the loop around the animal's head and a forelimb. This way you will prevent strangling the animal as you tighten the loop. Proper training and practice with the catchpole is necessary prior to attempting to use it on a wild animal.

Aspiration pneumonia is a potential problem associated with hand feeding of orphaned mammals. It is caused by:

feeding too large a volume of formula too rapidly

he natural diet of loons, herons and grebes consists of which of the following food groups?

fish, amphibians, crustaceans and insects

Which of the following should not be used to catch an injured adult bobcat?

gardening gloves

You are hand-feeding a very young chipmunk whose eyes have not yet opened. After feeding, you need to stimulate the animal to assist it with urinating and defecating. This is best accomplished by:

gently massaging the chipmunk around its anal and urinary openings with a warm, wet cloth

When restraining a new world vulture, such as a turkey vulture, it is important to first gain control of its:

head

Some insects and nectar from flowers are the natural diet of which of the following?

hummingbird

The term for excessive elevation of body temperature characterized by panting, increased respiratory and heart rates is called:

hyperthermia

Open mouth breathing and panting can be signs of:

hyperthermia and stress

When transporting an animal that is restrained in a blanket or towel the Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator must be aware of the possibility of the animal becoming:

hyperthermic

Excessive heat loss and decrease in body temperature characterized by shivering, puffed up feathers or fur and extremities cold to the touch is called:

hypothermia

Rescued small animals should be transported in which manner

in a warm, well ventilated, dark box or crate

The natural diet of adult robins, orioles, cedar waxwings and catbirds consists of which of the following food groups?

insects and wild fruit

You receive an injured turkey vulture. While conducting an examination, the bird vomits a foul smelling material. The bird:

is using a natural defense mechanism

An aquarium is a poor choice for long term housing of an animal because:

it has poor ventilation

How do you recognize if a bird is severely dehydrated?

its saliva will be sticky and stringy

The proper diet for nursing orphaned young cats (bobcats, lynx) is:

kitten milk replacer (KMR)

Insufficient temperatures for reptiles promote which of the following:

lack of appetite and poor digestion increased tendencies for infection and impaired healing

When housing animals indoors in the designated wildlife area, the light to dark cycles in the room should be properly controlled. This means the light should be:

left on during the day the same number of hours as it is light outdoors

The natural diet of adult chickadees, finches, grosbeaks and sparrows consists of which of the following food groups?

mainly seeds, insects and fruits

Which is not an important consideration when housing a reptile?

natural sounds

The best bedding for a baby bird is:

non-scented tissue, roll towel or toilet paper

Freshwater fish should not be fed to fish-eating species of marine birds because:

of exposure to new types of parasites

Which is not important to consider when it comes to tube feeding a turtle?

the turtle was in water prior to tube feeding

The term weaning refers to:

transition from milk to solid diet

True or False. All pre-release mammal caging should encourage physical activity to promote good muscle tone in the animal so that it can engage in natural foraging behavior before it can be released.

true. Providing proper caging is an essential role of wildlife rehabilitation.

True or False. Severely emaciated or dehydrated mammals should not be fed solid food right away.

true. The first two to three days are critical and these patients should be rehydrated then given easily digestible liquid nutrition.

True or False. Wild mammals and birds should be maintained away from the sights and sounds of human activity.

true. The licensed wildlife rehabilitator should have a designated wildlife area. It is equally important that animals should not be in view of each other, or other species.

True or False. Young bobcats must be overwintered for a spring release.

true. Young bobcats can be released at nine months of age. They are born in late April and nine months brings release date to late December. In New York State, this is a difficult time of year to find prey and chances of survival are greatly reduced.

Gavage is another name for what technique:

tube-feeding

You have been presented with a baby opossum that is listless and disinterested in food or water. What should you do first?

warm it up

Which of the following is not a good source of essential vitamins?

water

Handling of young mammals should be tapered off at what time?

when they begin self-feeding

Carnivorous mammals and birds should be fed:

whole prey animals

Which of the following groups of birds would eat grubs, nuts, beetles, and to some extent, berries?

woodpeckers, sapsuckers and flickers