Are fleece blankets or baby receiving blankets an appropriate bedding option for wildlife in rehabilitation?

• A. False.
• B. True. These blankets are inexpensive to launder and provide good insulation, but avoid bedding with holes, tears, or loose threads.
• C. Only suitable for adult animals.
• D. Never use fleece or baby receiving blankets.

Answer: (B)

Bedding for wildlife rehabilitation should keep the animal warm, be safe, and easy to clean between uses. Fleece and baby receiving blankets meet those needs well: they’re soft, provide good insulation, and wash up readily, helping maintain a clean, hygienic environment for the patient. The important caveat is to use only bedding in good condition—no holes, tears, or loose threads—because damaged fabric can snag, injure, or be chewed and swallowed, creating hazards for the animal. Regularly inspect and replace damp or worn blankets, and ensure they’re clean and free of lint or fibers that could irritate or be ingested. This is why the option stating they’re acceptable with those precautions is the best choice.