What to do if you find wildlife in need

What to do when you find wildlife? When to help? How to help? and who to call? If you come across wildlife that appears to be in need of help, it can be difficult to know what to do. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Observe from a distance: It’s important to approach wild animals with caution, as they can be unpredictable and may feel threatened if you get too close. Observe the animal from a distance to determine if it is truly in need of help.
2. Determine if the animal is injured: If the animal is unable to move or appears to be in pain, it may be injured. In this case, it is important to get the animal help as soon as possible.
3. Contact a wildlife rehabilitation center: If you determine that the animal is injured or orphaned, the best course of action is to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center. These organizations are equipped to handle injured or orphaned wildlife and can provide the necessary care to help the animal recover.
4. Do not attempt to care for the animal yourself: It is important to remember that wild animals can be dangerous, even if they are injured. It is best to leave the care of injured wildlife to professionals who are trained to handle these situations. Do not try and feed orphaned or Injured animals as their diets can be very different from that of your household pet, Feeding an injured animal could cause more harm to the animal and reduce their chances of survival.
5. If moving the animal is necessary and you have been advised to do so by a wildlife rehabilitation professional carefully and gently move the animal to a safe location, such as a box or crate, and cover it with a blanket or towel to keep it calm and warm. Be sure to handle the animal as little as possible, as prolonged handling can cause additional stress.

Remember, it is always best to leave wild animals in their natural habitat whenever possible. However, if you do come across a wild animal in need of help, these steps can help ensure the best possible outcome for the animal.  Sandy Pines Wildlife Center’s website is a great resource for  further Information and assistance if you  do find a wild animal in need.