Birds
![nestling kimfleming](http://www.beec.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/nestling-kimfleming-300x200.jpg)
Most species of birds, especially small birds, grow up very quickly—from hatching to fledging within a couple of weeks. They are not usually capable fliers when they first leave the nest, and may spend a couple of weeks fluttering and hopping while their parents continue to feed them.
![baby bird](http://www.beec.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/baby-bird-300x225.jpg)
Watch. Energetic active birds are probably fine. The bird pictured here is too young to hop or flutter, and its feathers have not grown enough. Such birds can often be re-nested, even if you can’t find or reach the original nest. Call for advice!
![Baby_Bird_in_the_Grass_by_Monique_Haen](http://www.beec.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Baby_Bird_in_the_Grass_by_Monique_Haen-264x300.jpg)
Just-fledged birds might have very stubby tails and wing feathers that have not fully emerged. The bird pictured here is a fledgling.
If you notice fledglings on the ground, do what you can to make sure neighborhood cats stay indoors.
Mammals
SIGNS THAT AN ANIMAL NEEDS HELP:
- Crying
- Weak, or listless
- Obvious injuries
- Hit by a car
- Shivering
- Cool to the touch
- Caught by a cat or other predator
- Near a dead female that appears to have been nursing young
- Attracting flies
If you see a baby that is too small and helpless to be out of a nest or den, watch from afar to see if a parent comes for it.
![P1080553](http://www.beec.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/P1080553-254x300.jpg)
YOUNG THAT ARE USUALLY UNATTENDED:
- White-tailed deer fawns
- Cottontail rabbits
- Snowshoe hare
![Lydia](http://www.beec.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Lydia-e1494280085833-275x300.jpg)
YOUNG THAT SELDOM WANDER
WITHOUT MOTHER:
- Skunks
- Raccoons
- Opossums