A former PETA staffer in Seattle was on her way to work when she spotted a pigeon whose leg appeared to be broken. When the pigeon didn't try to fly away and let her gently wrap him up in a sweatshirt, she knew he also likely had other injuries or hadn't been able to forage for food and was weak from hunger or illness.

The former staffer called PETA, and we put her in touch with a local wildlife rehabilitator, to whom she rushed the injured bird.

It took only a few minutes out of her day to get help for the bird, and she saved him from suffering for days or even weeks from his injuries and possibly starving, being killed by a predator, or being hit by a car.

Her actions serve as a reminder to all of us that we are never "too busy" to help an animal who is in need.

Chirping fledglings, scampering baby rabbits, and other spring babies are making their debut at this time of year. Usually, Mom and Dad are nearby keeping a watchful eye out, but, as PETA's emergency-pager team can attest, sometimes wildlife babies need a helping hand.

One such baby in need was a tiny opossum who became stuck in a swimming pool in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The pool's owner was afraid to approach the baby because he was hissing and struggling, but our responder explained that he was exhausted and scared and told the caller to put on gloves, cover him with a towel, and lift him to safety. The caller plucked up her courage and jumped into the swimming pool, rescuing the opossum just as he became trapped in the skimmer's suction. Thanks to the caller's quick and compassionate response, the opossum was OK and darted off to safety. 

 
In Tennessee, a caller did the right thing by calling PETA when she spotted an apparently orphaned duckling in her yard. But despite being advised to take the duckling to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator where he could receive proper care, she balked and said she planned to keep the duck as a pet. Since this is inhumane and illegal, we contacted the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and a conservation officer took immediate custody of the baby bird. The duckling was transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation facility that specializes in water birds.
 

 
If you discover a wildlife baby who appears to be hurt, contact a local animal control agency or wildlife rehabilitator. Stay with the animal until help arrives or he or she can be transported, but don't try to care for the animal yourself. Wildlife babies need specialized care that is best left to the experts.
 

Written by Michelle Sherrow