- Injured animals need immediate professional attention. An animal which receives help right away has the best chance for a full recovery.
- Observe unattended young animals carefully to determine if they are truly orphaned.
- A healthy nestling that has fallen to the ground can be placed back into its nest, as most birds do not have a sense of smell.
- Fledglings hop along the ground upon first leaving the nest; you can help them best by keeping your cats and dogs restrained and allowing the parents to raise them.
- A lone fawn is rarely orphaned if it is healthy and not distressed. The mother will return.
- Adults should handle all wild animals gently and with caution. Use heavy leather gloves or cover the animal with a towel and pick it up carefully. Transport them in a secure box lined with a clean cloth that you no longer want.
- Keep any truly orphaned or injured animals in a warm and quiet place, avoiding unnecessary contact with humans and pets.
- Keep in mind that skunks, bats, and raccoons are the most common carriers of rabies and sometimes don’t exhibit signs of the disease. Only certain rehabilitators can handle these species.
- Give a bird with head trauma (window strikes) a rest in a dry, secure box for two hours, then release.
- It is illegal to keep wild animals for more than a day without a license.
For additional information about rescuing animals, please visit http://animalhelpnow.com.
*If you find an injured animal, please contact us before bringing it to our center*