Found an injured animal?

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If the animal is clearly injured, sick, or in immediate danger (like in a road or near a pet) we know many of us care very deeply about the wildlife in our area, but never put yourself in harm’s way to assist an animal.

• Prioritize Safety: Always wear gloves (leather or thick gardening gloves are best) to protect yourself from bites, scratches, and potential diseases.
• Containment: Gently place the animal in a well-ventilated, secure container, like a cardboard box or a pet carrier. The container should be lined with a soft cloth (like a t-shirt or towel) with no loose threads that could tangle the animal.
• Keep it Quiet, Dark, and Warm: Place the box in a dark, quiet, and warm location, away from children, pets, and household noise. Darkness and quiet help reduce stress and shock, which is often the biggest killer of injured wildlife.
• Add Gentle Heat (Crucial): For most sick, injured, or young animals, a safe heat source is vital. You can fill a water bottle with hot water, wrap it in a towel, and place it in the box next to the animal.  Air activated hand warmers are also incredibly useful (not directly underneath or touching its skin).

• Feed or give water: Improper food/water can cause fatal aspiration (drowning) or severe digestive issues.
• Handle unnecessarily: Stress can kill. Keep contact to an absolute minimum.
• Pet or cuddle: The goal is to keep it wild. Human interaction causes irreparable stress and may even prevent them from being properly released.
• Attempt home care/rehabilitation: Wildlife requires specialized care, medication, and diets that only licensed rehabilitators can provide.