Wildlife Emergency - What to Do
If you’ve found an injured, sick, or orphaned wild animal, thank you for caring enough to help. Your compassion matters – but it’s important to take the right steps to ensure the animal’s safety and yours. Thousands of animals are unintentionally kidnapped every year due to lack of knowledge about what is normal and not normal behavior for that animal.
Step 1: Observe Before You Act
Take a moment to quietly watch the animal before intervening. Many young animals are not truly orphaned – their parents may be nearby.
Common situations:
Baby birds: Fledglings often spend time on the ground while learning to fly. Parents will still come to feed and care for them so it is best to leave them where they are and watch for the parents. Intervene if they are visibly injured or sick, in immediate danger, or you do not see a parent coming to feed them for several hours.
Baby mammals: A quiet, warm baby alone may simply be waiting for its mother. For instance deer and rabbit mothers only come once or twice a day – at dawn and dusk – to feed their young in order to not attract predators to the nest. Observe from a distance and if you see visible injuries, blood or flies then intervene. If not, wait and watch for signs the mother is coming.
Injured adults: Approach only if the animal is unable to move or clearly hurt. Never attempt to handle raptors, raccoons, foxes, bats, or other potentially dangerous species without guidance from an expert. We recommend using the box-over method to safely contain any animal.
Step 2: Keep Yourself Safe
Wild animals are frightened and can bite or scratch in self-defense.
Do not touch wildlife with bare hands. Use gloves or a towel if you must gently move or contain it.
Never feed or give water. This can easily cause harm or aspiration.
Step 3: Contain Only If Necessary
If the animal is injured, weak, or clearly orphaned and you need to hold it temporarily:
Line a secure box or container with a soft fabric like an old t-shirt or blanket. Do not use anything with loose threads or loops of thread as the animal may get their claws or talons tangled.
Gently place the animal inside and keep it warm, dark, quiet, and safe.
Keep it away from people and pets.
Do not attempt treatment or feeding.
Step 4: Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and licensed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to care for wild animals. They have the expertise, facilities, and legal authority to provide care safely.
TO FIND A REHAB NEAR YOU: search by county on the PA Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators website: www.pawr.com
WHO TO CALL IF THE ANIMAL NEEDS CAPTURED:
Wildlife in Need PA (WIN) – Statewide emergency response network for capturing and delivering injured, sick and orphaned wildlife within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
814-414-4224 | www.winemergencyresponse.comPA Game Commission
1-833-PGC-WILD (742-9453) | https://www.pa.gov/agenices/pgc.com
Or contact us any time for assistance with a wildlife situation by using the contact form below:
Birdsong Raptor & Wildlife Center is currently in the process of becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility.
While we are not yet permitted to accept wildlife for care, we actively work with area rehabilitators and organizations such as Wildlife in Need, PA to guide you to the right help.
Our mission is to help wildlife, connect people with nature, and inspire compassionate action for conservation.
Important Disclaimer:Birdsong Raptor & Wildlife Center is not yet licensed to receive or treat wildlife. Please contact a licensed rehabilitator immediately for any injured, sick, or orphaned animal. We are happy to help direct you to the appropriate resources.
