Wildlife Emergency - Birdsong Raptor & Wildlife Center, Inc.

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.

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. Unless they are visibly injured or in immediate danger, leave them where they are.
Baby mammals: A quiet, warm baby alone may simply be waiting for its mother. Observe from a distance for several hours.
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 Wildlife in Need, PA or 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.

WHO TO CALL:

Wildlife in Need PA (WIN) — Statewide emergency response network
814-414-4224 | www.winemergencyresponse.com
TO FIND A REHAB NEAR YOU: search by county on the PA Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators website
www.pawr.com
PA Game Commission
1-833-PGC-WILD (742-9453) | https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc
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.

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.

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. Unless they are visibly injured or in immediate danger, leave them where they are.

Baby mammals: A quiet, warm baby alone may simply be waiting for its mother. Observe from a distance for several hours.

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 Wildlife in Need, PA or 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.

WHO TO CALL:

Wildlife in Need PA (WIN) — Statewide emergency response network

814-414-4224 | www.winemergencyresponse.com

TO FIND A REHAB NEAR YOU: search by county on the PA Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators website

www.pawr.com

PA Game Commission

1-833-PGC-WILD (742-9453) | https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc

Or contact us any time for assistance with a wildlife situation by using the contact form below:

Found an animal?

Here's what to do!