Basic Animal Care

Question 1

Most adult wild mammals and birds that allow humans to approach closely are likely sick or injured.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

When attempting to capture and restrain a wild animal, the most important consideration is:

a. your own safety
b. safety of the public
c. your own safety and safety of the public:
d. the welfare of the animal

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Instructing the public on how to capture and transport wild animals (especially raptors, herons, egrets, loons and mammals) may pose a liability risk for the wildlife rehabilitator if a person is injured.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

When dealing with an injured raptor (bird of prey), one should be aware that the bird can cause serious and potentially permanent damage to a human handler. Of primary concern when handling a raptor is protection against injury from the bird’s:

a. talons
b. beak
c. talons and beak
d. wings

Answer 4

C

Question 5

When dealing with a sick or injured loon, one should be especially careful of attack by the bird’s:

a. wings
b. feet
C. bill
d. tongue

Answer 5

C

Question 6

Most bats may be safely handled with bare hands.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

People should be advised to wear thick gloves when handling rodents fully grown such as squirrels and chipmunks, but handling of a juvenile rodent can be done safely without gloves.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

To minimize further injury and feather damage, birds can be picked up with a piece of canvas.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

Waterfowl that are unable to fly can sometimes be captured by placing cracked corn in a small area surrounded on three sides by a movable barrier such as lightweight fencing. After the bird has entered the enclosure, the open side can be closed.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Wildlife should always be confined within a box, kennel or other secure container when transported to a wildlife rehabilitator, unless they are unconscious.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

Whenever possible, people should be advised to transport wild birds in wire bird cages.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

What is one of the most useful things you need to know before capturing an injured animal?

a. the geography that the animal is in
b. natural history of the animal
c. if you have the lan·downers permission to be on the land the animal is on
d. a and b
e. all of the above

Answer 12

B

Question 13

Regular prescription glasses and/or sunglasses are plenty of protection when capturing and restraining a heron or a loon.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

A mid size cardboard box with ventilation holes is enough to transport what animals:

a. adult, alert raccoon
b. five, four-week old squirrels
c. mallard duck
d. adult, but comatose beaver
e. band c
f. all of the above

Answer 14

E

Question 15

An appropriate technique to capture and transport a great egret that is unable to fly after hitting a power line might utilize each of the following EXCEPT:

a. large, bath towel to wrap around the wings and body
b. protective eye wear
c. rope to tie the legs and wings to the body
d. large box in which to transport the bird
e. all of the above

Answer 15

C

Question 16

The health status of an animal does not determine the restraint method used.

Answer 16

False

Question 17

Newborn birds and mammals should be transported with an external heat source that will not burn them.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

What are important considerations when undertaking the rescue of a wild animal?

a. know where you can get help–such as an animal control officer–when you cannot retrieve the animal yourself
b. generally, it only takes one person to make animal retrievals or rescues
c. having personal liability insurance before attempting a retrieval on another person’s property
d. having proper permission before attempting to retrieve an animal on either private or public property
e. a, c, and d
f. all of the above

Answer 18

E

Question 19

Which of the following factors is most important when restraining a wild animal?

a. animal’s safety
b. handler’s safety
c. ability to monitor the animal
d. correct restraint method for planned procedure

Answer 19

B

Question 20

A towel or blanket and heavy, leather (e.g. welder’s) gloves are two basic items useful for handling mammals. ·

Answer 20

True

Question 21

Catch-poles and nets are not generally useful for handling larger animals after initial capture; therefore, such animals must be restrained by other means for physical exams, treatment, etc.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

When restraining waterfowl, it is usually helpful to first control the:

a. head & bill
b. feet
c. wings
d. body

Answer 22

C

Question 23

When handling a raptor, the first thing to control is its head.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

A snapping turtle should be handled by grasping the rim of its shell behind the rear legs.

Answer 24

True

Question 25

A swan’s primary means of defense is its:

a. wings
b. bill
c. feet
d. feces

Answer 25

A

Question 26

Opossums can be safely restrained by grasping the base of the tail.

Answer 26

True

Question 27

Painted turtles cannot inflict injury by biting.

Answer 27

False

Question 28

Eye g9ggles are especially important when handling:

a. bitterns, herons or egrets
b. any large mammals
c. hawks or owls
d. raccoons or woodchucks
e. a and c

Answer 28

E

Question 29

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

Answer 29

True

Question 30

Which of the following is the safest and most effective method of handling and restraining a bat:

a. pick it up by the wings while wearing gloves
b. grab it by the feet while wearing gloves
c. gently scoop up the bat while wearing gloves, making sure the wings are tucked next to the body and toes are not caught on anything
d. grab the scruff of the neck with bare fingers

Answer 30

C

Question 31

If a big brown bat chatters and displays its teeth when handled, it is most likely an expression of:

a. pain
b. hypothermia (low body temperature)
c. defense
d. friendliness

Answer 31

C

Question 32

During restraint, if an animal begins open-mouth breathing, it is most likely a sign of:

a. defense
b. stress
c. vocalization
d. none of the above

Answer 32

B

Question 33

When restraining a bird in a towel, one must be aware of the possibility of the bird becoming:

a. hyperthermic
b. ability to breath if held too tightly
c. hypothermic
d. anemic
e. epileptic (having seizures)
f. a and b

Answer 33

F

Question 34

When examining most birds, you should not cover the head as this may interfere with the ability to breathe.

Answer 34

False

Question 35

You may restrict a bird’s ability to breathe by holding it too tightly around the chest.

Answer 35

True

Question 36

Covering exposed windows and darkening the room are useful techniques in capturing an escaped songbird.

Answer 36

True

Question 37

To reduce stress, all equipment necessary for a physical exam should be retrieved and ready to use before the animal is restrained for examination.

Answer 37

True

Question 38

Stress can be characterized by:

a. open mouth breathing
b. rapid respiratory rate
c. unusually passive behavior
d. all of the above

Answer 38

D

Question 39

Important information can be obtained by observing the behavior and appearance of an animal in its box or cage before handling the animal for a physical exam.

Answer 39

True

Question 40

When handling birds, one should avoid the use of hand lotions as such products can affect the natural oils of feathers causing damage to plumage.

Answer 40

True

Question 41

When you are trying to restrain an animal what is the most important thing you can do?

a. make sure that you are safe from injury
b. make sure that the animal is safe
c. make sure all of your equipment is within reach
d. have a first aid kit nearby
e. all of the above

Answer 41

A

Question 42

You want to restrain a four week old squirrel (eyes open and teeth erupted) to feed it. What would be the most appropriate equipment to use in this situation?

a. large bath towel
b. nothing–hands only
c. cotton or canvas garden type gloves in combination with a small towel to wrap the squirrel in
d. large welders gloves
e. none of the above

Answer 42

C

Question 43

What are the four basic criteria to consider in a restraint procedure?

a. safety of the handler; animal is handled to cause the least amount of damage to the animal; procedure to be used can be done with restraint method used; restraint method used allows handler the ability to monitor the animals health status
b. animal is handled to cause the least amount of damage to the animal; restraint method used allows handler the ability to monitor the animals health status; allows for maximum flexibility to change restrainer=s position if necessary; is very easy to use
c. Easy to use; animal is handled to cause the least amount of damage to the animal; use the least amount of equipment; making sure equipment is in good working order
d. none of the above

Answer 43

A

Question 44

What are the three most important factors to consider in determining which restraint method to use?

a. environmental (temperature. etc.); behavioral (age, sex, defense mechanisms); health status of animal
b. behavioral; restrainer health status; wildlife laws
c. animal’s health status; time of day; wildlife laws
d. none of the above

Answer 44

A

Question 45

It is imperative that a complete physical exam be performed immediately upon receiving of a sick or injured wild animal.

Answer 45

False

Question 46

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

Answer 46

False

Question 47

During a physical exam, one simple rule to aid in determining abnormalities is that generally each individual animal is built symmetrically. The left side is a mirror image of the right side.

Answer 47

True

Question 48

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

a. fluid volumes for replacement or maintenance
b. caloric requirements
c. evaluation of body condition
d. muscle tone and condition
e. a, b, c
f. all of the above

Answer 48

F

Question 49

A useful method of assessing the body condition of a bird is to feel the muscle mass adjacent to its keel or breastbone.

Answer 49

True

Question 50

A bird’s normal body temperature is generally higher than that of a mammal.

Answer 50

True

Question 51

The normal body temperature of all mammals is 98.6°F.

Answer 51

False

Question 52

Birds do not have ears.

Answer 52

False

Question 53

The gender of which of the following adult mammals can be determined by physical examination?

a. squirrel and rabbit
b. raccoon and bat
c. all of the above
d. none of the above

Answer 53

C

Question 54

The nictitating membrane (nictitans) of birds and many mammals, refers to the:

a thin skin covering the abdomen
b. webbing between the toes
c. eyelid
d. skin on the wing between the shoulder and wrist

Answer 54

C

Question 55

Pulling up the skin along the mid-back and judging the time taken for it to return to place is a useful test for evaluating dehydration in mammals.

Answer 55

True

Question 56

Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in a bird:

a. low body temperature
b. bright pink mouth
c. sticky, stringy saliva
d. green droppings

Answer 56

C

Question 57

Watery droppings in birds are always a sign of disease.

Answer 57

F

Question 58

Which of the following most likely indicates that a bird is sick:

a. perching on one foot with the other drawn up into its plumage
b. fluffed plumage and a blank stare with little movement of the head or attention to surrounding activity
c. watering of the nares while eating
d. watery droppings

Answer 58

B

Question 59

When examining a songbird with broken tail feathers, you notice a firm bump at the base of the tail on the lower back. This structure is most likely:

a. a tumor
b. an abscess
c. an avian pox lesion
d. the uropygial (oil) gland
e. a feather cyst

Answer 59

D

Question 60

When examining an unconscious squirrel, you notice that its gums are pale possibly indicating which of the following conditions:

a. shock
b. blood loss
C. fever
d. a and/orb
e. all of the above

Answer 60

D

Question 61

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

Answer 61

False

Question 62

Carnivores showing abnormal central nervous system signs should always be regarded as possible rabies carriers and thus euthanized, or confined and handled with caution.

Answer 62

True

Question 63

Upon examination of a young mallard with no apparent injuries, you notice that the bird is missing the first toe (thumb) on one foot. The animal most likely:

a. was born without this digit
b. lost the digit traumatically
c. is a game farm-raised bird that had the digit removed
d. none of the above

Answer 63

C

Question 64

When evaluating the flight ability of a bird, one should examine the:

a. resting conformation of wings
b. extension and elevation ability of each wing
c. ability to maintain height in flight
d. stamina/endurance of the bird
e. all of the above

Answer 64

E

Question 65

One of the best ways to prevent the transmission of diseases from wildlife to people or to domestic animals is to:

a. use high doses of antibiotics
b. keep the animals outdoors at all times
c. use good hygiene for both oneself and the animals
d. never clean the cages

Answer 65

C

Question 66

As a rule of thumb, a disinfectant should be allowed to remain on surfaces (cages, dishes, etc.) for about how long to achieve maximum efficacy before being rinsed away thoroughly with several applications of clean water?

a. 0 to 5 minutes
b. 15 to 45 minutes
c. 3 to 5 hours
d. 2 to 3 days

Answer 66

B

Question 67

Three steps in effective cage/pen cleaning are: a) removing soil by hosing, sweeping or other means, b) applying a disinfectant, sanitizer or sterilizer, c) cleaning surfaces with a good detergent and rinsing thoroughly. What is the appropriate order of these steps to achieve the best effect?

a. a, b, c
b. a, c, b
c. c,a, b
d. b, a, c

Answer 67

B

Question 68

One should not mix chemicals/cleaners unless directed on labels because corrosiveness may increase or noxious fumes may develop.

Answer 68

True

Question 69

Bleach alternatives and generic bleach are all good disinfectants.

Answer 69

False

Question 70

A 3% bleach solution (1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of hot water) is adequate to kill a wide spectrum of microorganisms if allowed contact time is five minutes or longer.

Answer 70

True

Question 71

An excellent disinfectant can be made by mixing a solution of half ammonia and half bleach.

Answer 71

False

Question 72

Quaternary ammonium compounds such as Rocca!® are NOT readily inactivated by soaps, detergents and organic matter such as feces.

Answer 72

False

Question 73

Wild mammals and birds should be maintained away from the sights and sounds of a household.

Answer 73

True

Question 74

Methods of reducing stress on a wild animal
in your care include all of the following
EXCEPT:

a. minimizing handling
b. providing sight barriers
c. sensitization by repeated exposure to people
d. limiting noise and talking
e. all of the above will reduce stress

Answer 74

C

Question 75

Which of the following is likely to cause
stress?

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

Answer 75

D

Question 76

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

a. species identification and sex of the animal
b. species identification and approximate
age of the animal
c. age of the animal and sex of the animal
d. species identification and how to tame
the animal

Answer 76

B

Question 77

Attention to an animal’s behavior is an
important aspect of wildlife care.

Answer 77

True

Question 78

Ideally, there should be an isolation period of a minimum of seven (7) days for any incoming animals{s) to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Answer 78

True

Question 79

Factors to consider in cage design should
include:

a. ease of cleaning
b. ventilation
c. light
d. temperature control
e. all of the above

Answer 79

E

Question 80

The presence of domestic cats in areas where rehabilitating songbirds are housed is an effective, safe and accepted means of rodent control.

Answer 80

False

Question 81

Natural fiber smooth weave towels or rags
are a good choice for animal bedding.

Answer 81

True

Question 82

Pools used by wildlife containing excessively
dirty water can cause:

a. disease
b. insufficient waterproofing of feathers/fur
c. molting
d. a and b
e. all of the above

Answer 82

D

Question 83

When housing animals indoors, the light to
dark ratio of the room should be properly controlled. This means the light should be:

a. turned on when you enter the room and off when you leave
b. left on during the day the same number of hours as it is light outdoors
c. turned on and off the same time of day, every day
d. left on for at least eight hours every day

Answer 83

B

Question 84

Different sized perches are helpful in
maintaining healthy feet in perching birds.

Answer 84

True

Question 85

When transporting or housing 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 dimly lit and quiet to discourage the bird from flying
b. use of a tail feather sheath on bigger birds
c. avoiding wire cages
d. all of the above

Answer 85

D

Question 86

Handling of a cottontail rabbit causes stress which can be as serious as any injury.

Answer 86

True

Question 87

Rabbit housing should provide plenty of
opportunities for hiding.

Answer 87

True

Question 88

It is important to clean rabbit cages several
times a day so the animals will not eat their feces.

Answer 88

False

Question 89

A wooden cage is a secure enclosure for
squirrels.

Answer 89

False

Question 90

Conditioning cages for squirrels, raccoons
and opossums should include logs or other materials for climbing.

Answer 90

True

Question 91

The development of bumblefoot in captive
birds can be a sign of inappropriate cage flooring or perches.

Answer 91

True

Question 92

It is okay to house other animals in outdoor
cages that raccoons have used.

Answer 92

False

Question 93

A cage is designed for confining an animal
so the behavioral needs of the animal are not a primary concern

Answer 93

False

Question 94

Chainlink fencing can make good caging
material for most mammals.

a. true, but you have to make sure the chainlink fence size is appropriate for the animal you are
housing
b. false, because most mammals can hurt their noses and/or feet on the chainlink.
c. true, but raccoons can chew themselves out of anything
d. false, because predators can get
through chainlink

Answer 94

A

Question 95

Habituation is a behavior change whereby
captive animals learn to respond abnormally to certain stimuli.

Answer 95

False

Question 96

Imprinting can be properly described as
rapid learning which occurs at a critical period in an animal=s life and tends to be irreversible.

Answer 96

True

Question 97

Proper caging is fundamental to providing
for the welfare and humane treatment of animals under your care for rehabilitation. In addition to
the types and sizes of cages, which is also a paramount concern in housing animals?

a. that cages be close to food and water supplies
b. that cages are near a hose to allow for
efficient cleaning ·
c. that cages are isolated from humans to the extent possible
d. that animals in the cages can be easily monitored

Answer 97

C

Question 98

There are some types of cages that are suitable for just about any species of bird or mammal.

Answer 98

False

Question 99

Which of the following are your
responsibilities as a rehabilitator in dealing with animals that you acquire that are already imprinted, habituated or tame?

a. being able to recognize when animals are, as a result of certain abnormal behaviors, no longer candidates for release
b. understanding that the welfare of such animals is actually best served by them not being released even if they must be euthanized
c. being willing and able to deal with such situations in an appropriate manner
d. all of the above

Answer 99

D

Question 100

There may be circumstances where it is
necessary and desirable to intentionally tame or habituate a wild animal in order to accomplish
rehabilitation objectives.

Answer 100

False

Question 101

Since water is the most important nutrient, every animal’s cage should contain a bowl of water, regardless of species or age.

Answer 101

False

Question 102

In a captive situation, a wild animal offered a
variety of foods will always select a good, balanced diet.

Answer 102

False

Question 103

Which of the following species is an
insectivore:

a. big brown bat
b. common nighthawk
c. downy woodpecker
d. barn swallow
e. all of the above

Answer 103

E

Question 104

Iceberg lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin A and other important nutrients for rabbits, reptiles, waterfowl and other wild species.

Answer 104

False

Question 105

Raising mealworms and other insect larvae is
a relatively easy and inexpensive way for a wildlife rehabilitator to supply a natural, high
protein, food source for insectivores and other animals.

Answer 105

True

Question 106

Insects are a good source of:

a. fiber
b. fiber and protein
c. protein
d. sugars

Answer 106

B

Question 107

The first step in treating emaciation and starvation in an animal is to encourage eating a normal diet.

Answer 107

False

Question 108

A starving animal requires special attention to correct the many physiological imbalances that occur with malnourishment.

Answer 108

True

Question 109

There is no need to cut dice food items into bite sized pieces to make eating easier for ailing wildlife.

Answer 109

False

Question 110

Severe deficiencies and imbalances of
vitamins or minerals in the diet may play a role in which of the following:

a. lack of fertility
b. poor body condition
c. mortality
d. all of the above

Answer 110

D

Question 111

Important components of a well-balanced
diet include:

a. protein
b. carbohydrates
C. fat
d. vitamins and minerals
e. all of the above

Answer 111

E

Question 112

When evaluating the protein content of a
diet, one must only consider the quantity of protein present.

Answer 112

False

Question 113

Protein requirements as a percentage of the
diet decrease as an animal reaches adulthood.

Answer 113

True

Question 114

Providing fluids, such as lactated Ringer’s® or
saline solutions, to a debilitated animal also meets the animal’s caloric needs.

Answer 114

False

Question 115

Grit is required in the diet of most birds with
well-developed gizzards to help grind seeds and other hard foods.

Answer 115

True

Question 116

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

a. zinc
b. potassium
c. calcium
d. selenium

Answer 116

C

Question 117

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

a. calcium deficiency
b. vitamin D deficiency
c. improper calcium:phosphorus ratio
d. all of the above

Answer 117

D

Question 118

Vitamin D is an essential component in the
diet of most animals.

Answer 118

True

Question 119

Nutritionally balanced dog food is a good
substitute diet for many species, because it is balanced for calcium and phosphorus.

Answer 119

True

Question 120

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

a. be sure to use very high doses
b. human vitamins are as good as any
c. talk to a Master class permit holder and/or your veterinary consultant first
d. use supplements and dosages for the closely related domestic species

Answer 120

C