Loon chicks are most often seen perched atop the backs of their parents in an effort to protect them from potential predators.
Which is why when one loon chick found itself alone in the lawn near Rep. Josh Heintzeman's home, it drew some attention. After Heintzeman and his family found the baby loon, he called Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jim Guida to determine what he should do next.
Guida, who spoke with the Dispatch last week, said finding loon chicks alone on land is very unusual. He could not recall hearing of this occurring another time in the last five or 10 years, he said. This is particularly true because, unlike ducks, loons are not well equipped to travel on land. Their legs are positioned far back on their bodies, forcing them to lunge or skid when out of the water.
"The young are growing, they're exploring, they wander away from the nest," Guida said. "If an adult was off the nest in search of food, this young loon chick decided to wander."
He said in this case, it was likely the chick wandered landward instead of lakeward.
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Tips from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: What to do if you find an orphaned wild animal
Examine the situation carefully. Is the animal really orphaned? Many animal species will leave their young unattended for several hours. Often letting some time pass will reveal that the parents have returned after a short foray to gather food or other important materials.
- Baby birds are commonly encountered on the ground or in shrubs in the spring or early summer while trying to fledge. This is normal. The parents are typically close by and will continue to feed and protect the fledgling bird until it is ready to be on its own.
- Baby rabbits are also often found left unattended. This is also normal. The mother rabbit often makes trips away from the nest to forage for food, sometimes leaving the young for several hours.
- Baby squirrels are often thought to be abandoned but most are in the process of being moved by the adults. Squirrels usually have three to four nests and move their young from one nest to another frequently.
- Baby deer (fawns) should be left where found. In most cases, the mother deer (doe) will be nearby, even if she is out of sight. Baby deer may be left alone for as long as three days.
- Baby turtles should be left where found. They are capable of finding their way to preferred habitat. Not all hatchling turtles overwinter in water. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/helping-turtles-roads.html to learn more about helping turtles.
-- Consider allowing nature to take its course. The circle of life can be difficult to observe at times, but no animal goes to waste. Many species of wildlife rely on sick or injured animals to feed themselves and their young.
-- If certain an animal is orphaned and want to intervene, contact a local rehabilitation center or licensed professional before attempting to handle the animal if possible. They will be able to give the best advice on what to do and what not to do if you decide to attempt rescue.
There are two permitted rehabilitators locally:
-- Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation at the Garrison Animal Hospital, 320-692-4180. This organization accepts all animals, including deer and bear, except moose, elk, antelope, caribou or wolves. All migratory birds are accepted, and so are threatened or endangered species.
-- Foothills Animal Rescue of MN, Pine River, 218-232-2907. This organization accepts healthy, orphaned rabbits, squirrels, rats, beaver and porcupine. It also accepts healthy, orphaned migratory birds, except no hawks, eagles, falcons or owls. They do not accept threatened or endangered animals.
Visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota's FAQ page at www.wrcmn.org/faq.php for more information. Sick or injured wild animals may bite and scratch and pose a risk to humans, by physical injury and/or exposure to disease.
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- When contacting local rehabilitation services, take careful note of where the animal was found, either to direct retrieval personnel or to tell the clinic when you drop off the animal. Animals should be returned to where they were found, or as close as possible.
- A good phrase to keep in mind is, "If you care, leave it there," before deciding to rescue an injured animal. Keep in mind that rehabilitation can be difficult, expensive and has varying degrees of success. Nearly all rehabbers rely on donations to support rehab costs. Issues of disease must also be carefully considered.
NOTE: An unlicensed citizen may not attempt to rehabilitate an animal on their own. It is also unlawful to possess or transport injured wildlife for greater than 24 hours unless permitted to do so. Citizens should volunteer or partner with rehabilitation permit holders to transport orphaned, sick, or injured wild animals.
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Guida said the DNR's official recommendation is to leave wildlife alone when it is encountered, with a few exceptions. If one does have contact, however, the next step is to immediately return the animal to where it was found.
In this case, Heintzeman told Guida he'd witnessed an adult loon flying overhead, landing in a nearby pond. Guida recommended he attempt to return the chick to its parents, and as soon as possible, from where his family was keeping it safe.
Heintzeman and his family piled into a canoe with the chick in a small container and set out on the water, where an adult loon was frantically calling. Once they came somewhat close to the adult, they released the chick into the water and the pair was reunited.
Guida said as a conservation officer, his role is to provide guidance so people remain within the law. Heintzeman took the right course of action for the situation, he said, because it is illegal for those without a special rehabilitation license to remain in possession of a wild animal for more than 24 hours.
CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey .
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