Below are some tips for rescuing wildlife in distress. They are just a general guideline. Every situation is different and should be handled accordingly, but try to follow these simple tips to keep the animal alive.
Remember that wildlife can be extremely dangerous even in a stressed situation and should be approached with caution!
If you are unsure if the animal is truly injured, call a wildlife rehabilitator for advice.
If the animal is obviously in trouble, capture immediately if possible.
If you are not sure if the wildlife is dangerous, leave it alone! Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator immediately.
If not dangerous, capture it with protective leather gloves, a towel, or blanket.
Plan your attempt ahead of time. Plan to capture on the first try to reduce the stress of a chase.
Contain in a box, brown paper bag, or a pet carrier, depending on the condition and size of the animal.
Stress kills! Please keep patients in a quiet, warm (85 degrees) place away from human voices and activity.
DO NOT handle, feed, or give water! This can kill a sick animal.
Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Instructions when finding orphans...
- Birds do not reject their young if you touch them.
- If the baby bird cannot hop, put it back in the nest. If the baby bird can hop but not fly, put it in a nearby bush. The parents may still be nearby.
- If the parent(s) do not feed the animal after one to two hours, rescue it. (make sure that you or other distractions are not keeping the parent(s) away during this waiting period.)
- The fear of you or other distractions (dog, cat, etc.) is stronger than paternal instincts for many animal parents. They will not return to their young until they are sure that it is safe for them to do so.
For wildlife emergencies, Wild Spirit can be reached at (716)-492-3223 or call a local Rehabilitator or your local state environmental agency.
To locate a local Wildlife Rehabilitator, please click here.
To locate your state environmental agency, please click here.
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