The oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility in the State of MD, Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg cares for about 3,500 ill, injured, and orphaned wild animals per year. The goal is to release the animal or bird back into the wild once it is able to survive on its own. In May and June 40% of the distressed animals are turned in. Mother rabbits leave their babies alone for up to 12 hours. If the babies are picked up, they will be in shock; so be quiet. Squirrels are born in the fall and the mother will store lots of acorns for the winter. Because squirrels are very territorial, recovered babies have to be released in the same area that they came from or the other squirrels will run them off. Possums are born in a pouch and are non-territorial. Ground Hogs sleep through the winter.