Observe
Look for visible injury, immediate danger, unusual behavior, or signs that the animal has been in the same place for a prolonged period.
Found wildlife?
Slow down.
Look closely.
Help wisely.
A calm first response can prevent stress, injury, and accidental separation from a healthy parent.
First response
Before touching the animal
Keep people and pets back. Observe from a distance. Many young animals who appear alone are still being cared for by a parent nearby.
Protect the space
Move pets and people away. Reduce noise. Do not chase or crowd the animal for photos.
Do not feed
Food, milk, and water can cause harm when the species, age, condition, and treatment needs are unknown.
Get expert direction
Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local wildlife authority before capturing or transporting whenever possible.
Act now when
There is clear danger.
- Bleeding, broken limbs, or obvious wounds
- Contact with a cat or dog
- Inability to stand, fly, or move normally
- Immediate threat from traffic, flooding, fire, or machinery
- A deceased parent is confirmed nearby
Species-specific first steps
What did you find?
Open the guide that most closely matches the animal. These are first-response instructions, not a substitute for a licensed rehabilitator.
🦌 I found a fawn
A quiet, curled fawn is often waiting for its mother. Observe from far away. Intervene for injury, persistent crying, flies, coldness, or a confirmed deceased mother.
🐿️ I found a baby squirrel
Look for a nearby nest and allow the mother time to retrieve the baby when it is warm, uninjured, and safe. Do not feed or give water.
🦉 I found a young bird
Feathered fledglings often belong on the ground while parents feed them. Bare nestlings may be returned to a reachable nest when safe.
🦝 I found a raccoon
Keep distance and pets away. Raccoons can carry serious disease. Never handle an adult or a sick, disoriented, or unusually tame raccoon.
🦇 I found a bat
Do not touch it. Keep people and pets away. Any possible human or pet contact requires immediate public-health guidance.
🐢 I found a turtle
If it is crossing a road and safe to assist, move it only in the direction it was traveling. Never relocate it to a different habitat.
The best rescue is informed
Wildlife needs the right help—not always more help.
When in doubt, document the location and condition from a safe distance, then seek professional guidance.
Support Rescue Work