What to Do When You Find Injured, Ill, or Orphaned Wildlife

When you find a wild creature in need of assistance, first make sure it really needs assistance. Some usually do (baby squirrels), and some usually don’t (fawns). Don’t kidnap a perfectly healthy fawn left alone while its mother forages nearby, unless it is clearly sick or injured, and remember that you will likely never see the mom - so don’t panic. Newborn fawns that are in or by roadways should be picked up and placed 50-100 feet away to avoid a tragedy.

For a wild creature that is injured, ill, or orphaned, follow these three simple rules:

Keep it safe, secure, warm, quiet, dark, and away from people, pets, and predators. Do not handle more than absolutely necessary, because you are a giant predator to a wild animal, and unnecessary stress can kill. Having said that, a little of your scent on a baby will not make mom reject it, but minimize scent transfer by wearing exam gloves or similar. Place a heating pad on low under (only) half of the container it is in, because babies and compromised adults may need help maintaining a healthy body temperature.

Do NOT feed or water. Nothing at all! Yes, it’s counterintuitive, but critically important! The websites you are getting your information from are often WRONG - but not this one. ;-)

Do NOT post for help on social media. If you have already posted, please delete it. The comments you receive from supposedly experienced amateurs and wannabe rehabbers are often wrong - and frequently result in fatal outcomes with increased suffering.

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately - specifically one with expertise in the species. That person will provide all guidance and instruction thereafter.

Wildlife Rehabilitators (aka rehabbers) are licensed and regulated by state and federal laws and regulations. A person who is a legitimate wildlife rehabilitator can produce a current license to establish credentials.