Orphaned Wildlife Rescue & Humane Solutions in Southern California

How We Handle Orphaned Wildlife Calls

Not every “orphaned” animal is truly alone. In spring and early summer especially, mother animals constantly move between dens, scout for food, and relocate their young. A well-meaning person can accidentally separate families by removing babies too soon.

Our first job is to slow things down and assess the situation correctly.

Step 1: Phone Assessment

When you call 844-MY-TRAPS, we’ll ask questions like:

• What species do you think it is – raccoon, opossum, skunk, squirrel, bird, etc.?
• Where are the babies located – attic, wall, crawlspace, chimney, tree, or ground?
• How long have you seen or heard them?
• Have you seen the mother recently, or only the babies?
• Has anyone moved, fed, or touched the animals already?

Based on this, we decide whether it’s likely a reunite situation, an active den with a mother nearby, or a true orphan case where she’s not coming back.

Step 2: On-Site Inspection

If needed, we send a trained technician for a full inspection. We check:

• Entry points into attics, crawlspaces, walls, decks, sheds, and chimneys
• Signs of an adult – tracks, droppings, nesting material, fur, or fresh damage
• Number, age, and condition of the babies
• Risks to your family – odors, parasites, droppings, electrical damage, or bite risk to pets

From there we build a humane game plan tailored to the species and your property. Sometimes that means letting the mother finish her job with guidance; other times it means safe removal and coordinating with a licensed rehabilitator.

Step 3: Reunite Whenever Possible

Whenever we can, we aim to reunite baby wildlife with their mother. With raccoons, that may include using male raccoon pheromone (“eviction liquid”) during baby season. The scent tells the mother: “This den is no longer safe. Move them now.”

Used correctly, raccoon moms will carry each kit one by one to a new den – no traps, less stress, and a better outcome for everyone. We’ve seen moms empty attics, soffits, and chimneys in hours once the right pressure is applied.

For opossums, skunks, and squirrels, we use a mix of timing, light, sound, and minor structural changes to encourage the mother to relocate her young, or we safely remove and box them for her to retrieve just outside the structure when appropriate.

Step 4: Humane Removal & Rehab When Needed

If the mother is confirmed dead, trapped elsewhere, or not returning after a proper wait period, we treat it as a true orphan rescue. At that point we may:

• Safely remove the babies by hand or with species-appropriate tools
• Place them in a warmed, secure container to reduce stress and heat loss
• Coordinate with licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Southern California
• Transport them or connect you directly, depending on the regulations and situation

Wildlife is unpredictable and no one can guarantee survival, but we give them the best legal and humane chance available.

Common “Orphaned” Wildlife We See in Southern California

Different species behave differently. What looks like abandonment for one species is totally normal for another. We use both field experience and wildlife behavior knowledge to read what’s really going on.

Raccoon Kits in the Attic

Raccoon moms love quiet attics and crawlspaces. You may hear:

• Chirping, chittering, or whimpering at night
• Scratching or thumping on the ceiling
• Heavy movement from the adult female after dark

We inspect for:

• Active mother presence and access points
• Number and age of kits
• Damage to insulation, HVAC, and wiring

When safe, we use eviction techniques to encourage the mother to move her litter on her own. If she doesn’t, we carefully remove the kits, coordinate rehab, and then plan attic cleaning plus wildlife exclusion repairs. For active raccoon problems, see our raccoon removal service.

Opossums Under Decks or in Crawlspaces

Opossums carry young on their backs or keep them in protected dens under decks, sheds, or in crawlspaces. It’s common to see babies wandering if they fall off or start exploring too early.

We look at:

• Whether the mother is still using the den
• The age and mobility of the young
• Whether the area is safe for a reunite attempt

When they truly are orphans, we remove them, coordinate with rehab, and then seal den access so you don’t get a repeat. For adult issues, see opossum removal.

Skunk Litters in Yards, Sheds & Crawlspaces

Skunks love quiet, dark spaces and can quickly turn a crawlspace or yard burrow into a nursery. These calls are sensitive – not just because of spray, but also legal and rabies concerns.

• We use proper protective equipment and den-box setups
• We time work around skunk behavior to avoid unnecessary spray
• We follow California regulations for skunk handling

When skunks are actively living on your property, we may tie orphan work into skunk removal and crawlspace cleaning.

Baby Squirrels in Attics & Trees

Squirrels often den in attics, eaves, and tree cavities. Young squirrels can fall or get left behind during nest moves or storms.

Depending on the situation, we may:

• Re-nest or reunite them with the mother when possible
• Safely remove them if they’re in an unsafe location
• Recommend squirrel removal and exclusion to protect wiring and structure

Baby Birds & Nesting Sites

Many young birds found on the ground are actually fledglings learning to fly with parents nearby. Others are nestlings that fell from the nest.

• Re-nesting chicks if the nest is accessible and secure
• Leaving fledglings in a safer nearby spot with the parents watching
• Working with permitted bird rehabbers when they’re truly abandoned or injured

If birds are nesting in vents, dryer ducts, or signs, we may pair orphan work with bird control and pigeon & nuisance bird management.

What You Should – and Should Not – Do If You Find “Orphans”

What to Do

• Stay calm. Baby animals are tougher than they look.
• Observe from a distance for at least 30–60 minutes when it’s safe.
• Keep kids and pets away from the area.
• Take photos or video safely – this helps us ID species and age.
• Call a professional at 844-MY-TRAPS before you move or feed anything.

What Not to Do

• Don’t immediately grab the babies and bring them inside.
• Don’t try to feed them with cow’s milk, pet formula, or human food.
• Don’t try to raise wildlife yourself. It’s usually illegal and often ends badly.
• Don’t use poisons or random “home remedies” you found online.
• Don’t block off dens or entry points until you’re sure all animals are out – or you may seal babies inside to die.

A five-minute call can prevent a lot of suffering and property damage. If you’re not sure, call before you act.

Orphaned Wildlife, Cleanup & Prevention

Orphaned animals rarely show up in clean, empty spaces. By the time you notice them, your attic, crawlspace, or deck may already be contaminated with urine, feces, nesting debris and parasites.

That’s why we often recommend pairing orphaned wildlife work with:

• Attic cleaning & restoration
• Crawlspace cleaning & sanitation
• Dead animal removal & odor control
• Wildlife exclusion & damage repair

Our teams can:

• Remove soiled insulation and nesting material
• Disinfect and deodorize affected areas
• Install new insulation where needed
• Seal entry points with dig-proof and chew-resistant materials

The goal isn’t just to “get the babies out.” It’s to reset your home so it’s healthy, safe, and far less attractive to future wildlife.

Orphaned Wildlife FAQs