What to do if you find an abandoned or injured animal?

If you find a wild animal in distress, it is important to resist the temptation to interfere unless the animal is clearly sick, hurt, orphaned, or in immediate danger. In particular, people often mistakenly rescue a baby animals when their best chance of survival is staying in the care of their parents. Wild animals need help if one or more of the following are true:

• They are clearly injured (they have a broken wing or leg, they are bleeding, they are unconscious).
  
• They are caught by a cat, dog, or other predator.
  
• They are weak and shivering or emaciated.
  
• They are clearly babies and animal suspected of being their parent was killed nearby, and you have confirmed that no other animal of the same species is caring for them.
  
• They are in immediate danger.
  

Adult wild animals can be dangerous to humans, so please contact us to obtain specific instructions before attempting to rescue them. If the animal can fly or run away, chances are that he or she is fine for the time being and might just need to be watched from a safe distance for a few hours or days to ensure that his or her condition is worsening.

If rescue is absolutely necessary and the animal is completely immobile and unconscious, drape a blanket or sheet over the animal's head and body and, using gloved hands, lift the animal into a newspaper-lined box or crate. Cover the box or crate with a towel or blanket and place it in a dark, quiet place. Do not offer the animal food or water and please do not attempt to care for the animal yourself. Contact us or a veterinarian and arrange transport immediately.

If you are unsure of whether an animal needs to be rescued, please contact us between 9 AM and 5:00 PM at (830) 739-1363.