That's Wild!

Rescuing Injured Wildlife

Great Blue

This fledgling great blue heron was rescued after a storm blew him out of his nest. It took several hours to establish for sure that this heron needed help.
If you find a fledgling bird, apparently alone and lost, don't pick it up. There's almost certainly a parent nearby, watching from a safe distance while the fledgling learns to fly.

If you think the bird needs help, call your local wildlife rehabilitation expert or Fish & Wildlife department.

This heron learned to fly here at the Best Friends wildlife rehab center and, six weeks after arriving here, he was taken back to the river where he was found and released into the wild.

Rescuing a bird

The first thing to determine upon finding a bird is why it is allowing you to approach it without flying away. If you suspect that the bird is orphaned or injured, try to determine if it is a nestling (it lacks feathers or has down instead of feathers), a fledgling (which looks like an adult but seems unsure of itself, awkward, and its tail feathers are often only partially grown in), or an adult who is injured or sick (may have its eyes closed to a slit, and its feathers may be fluffed up).

The basic rule of thumb for rescuing most birds is to bring the bird inside and place it in an appropriate sized cardboard box with air holes in it. Put paper towels in the bottom of the box and remember to keep the bird calm to reduce further injuries. Keep the box in a dark, quiet (no pets or kids) environment and keep the bird warm (80-90 degree Fahrenheit, but out of the sun). Put a heating pad set on low with a towel over it beneath the box.

Do not try to treat injuries yourself as the stress could easily kill the bird. Contact your local rehabilitation center.

If you happen upon an injured raptor, exercise extreme caution. Like many other wild animals, raptors can be very dangerous. If possible, get someone to stay with the bird while you call a wildlife rehabilitation center. It is best to get a rehabber to come pick up raptors rather than transporting them yourself. If you must move the raptor because it urgently needs help (i.e. it is in the road) quickly catch the bird by holding both its ankles just above the feet. A raptor's beak can also inflict injury, but the talons are much more dangerous, and you should never assume that a bird will remain unconscious or is too weak to fight or fly out of your grasp. It is also against state and federal law to possess dead wild birds and the feathers of wild birds.

Smaller hawks and owls can be transported in a cardboard box with air holes. Larger hawks and owls can be taken in a dog carrier. Put a cloth or blanket in the bottom to keep the bird from sliding, place a stout stick to serve as a perch, secure the lid, and completely cover it with a cloth to keep the bird in the dark and quiet.

Rescuing a small wild mammal

The general rule to follow when you rescue a small wild mammal is to put it in an appropriate sized box and to keep its environment dark, quiet, and warm. You should always exercise caution when handling any wild animal because of the risk of rabies and other infections. Call a wildlife rehabilitator for instructions before attempting to give the animal food or water as either may further endanger the animal's chance of survival.

Though well intentioned, many people rescue young "orphaned" animals that are actually not in need of help. The young animals are often much better off left alone. It is therefore extremely important to know when not to rescue wild animals. If you are in doubt about whether the animal is really orphaned or injured, leave it alone.

Small-injured mammals may be safely transported to a wildlife center. You might want to keep a towel, heavy gloves and a pet carrier in your car at all times. Be aware that injured wildlife may be dangerous. Do not attempt to pick up animals larger than a squirrel. Instead contact a local wildlife rehab person or call Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at the number listed below. If possible, have someone stay with the animal while you call.

It is critical to get the injured animal or bird as promptly as possible to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who has the training, special equipment, facilities, and experience. Please remember it is against state and federal law to keep wildlife without a permit, and it is also unkind to the wild animal or bird who would be deprived of its best chance for a happy free life.

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