How to Help Injured Wildlife
Oregon Raptor Center

Disclaimer: The information listed below is a suggestion only! We do not take responsibility for any injury or loss resulting from interactions with wildlife. Our number one recommendation is that you do not ever try to handle wildlife by yourself. Find a trained, licensed rehabilitator or a wildlife officer to handle the problem.

The most important thing to remember when you find an animal or bird that you believe to be injured or orphaned:

Be Sure!

And...

Be Safe!

What do you mean, "Be sure?"

It is very common for "orphaned" birds and other animals to be rescued unnecessarily. Many animals, especially deer and other mammals, leave youngsters alone for long periods of time. Do not jump to the conclusion that the animal has been orphaned.

Even when a young bird has fallen from a nest, the parents will often continue to feed and care for it while on the ground. Youngsters often fall while learning to fly, and will remain out of the nest for several days. Before you rush to the bird's rescue, watch it for several hours (from a distance, using binoculars, so as not to frighten the parents) to determine whether the parents are nearby. Two exceptions to this rule exist:

If an infant is without feathers it should be reported immediately. Naked babies cannot maintain body temperature and need a heat source as soon as possible.
If a young raptor is obviously injured, in immediate danger, or the dead bodies of BOTH parents are present, it will need to be captured.

The ORC also receives calls of injured birds that turn out to be mistakes. Birds of prey often "mantle" over their food (a protective gesture, hunched over with wings outstreched). This often makes the bird look like it is hurt. Again, watch the bird for a period of time, (from a safe distance) and make sure that it is not merely protecting a food source.

What do you mean "Be Safe?"

Well-intentioned people often get injured by trying to rescue hurt wildlife. Other times, they compound the animal's injuries while trying to capture it. It is best, if possible, to leave this to a trained wildlife officer or rehabilitator. While you go for help, try to leave someone at the site to keep an eye on the creature, to keep away predators (especially cats and dogs) and keep track of the injured animal if it begins to move. Remember, hurt and frightened animals and birds will often lash out at those trying to help. Stay a safe distance away (that is probably further than you would imagine).

So, I'm sure and I'm safe. Now what?

Find a phone and call your state Fish and Wildlife Department for help. They may not be able to send someone, but they can find phone numbers of active rehabilitators to help you. In Oregon, if you cannot reach ODFW, the Oregon State Police are responsible for wildlife. Any OSP officer should be able to assist you and may be willing to transport the animal or bird to the appropriate place for care. For many animals (especially birds of prey) it is illegal to capture them without the appropriate permits. It can also be dangerous.

What if I have to capture it?

Sometimes the situation occurs when an untrained person feels that they must capture an injured or orphaned animal or bird. If this is the case, consider your own safety first. Injured animals will not view you as helpers, but as trying to further harm them. They may lash out, bite, and claw you for your efforts. Protect yourself with heavy clothing and thick leather gloves, if possible. Rather than trying to grab an animal or bird with your hands, cover them in a towel, blanket or coat. It is especially true for birds, that if you can restr Rescuing a hurt Turkey Vulture ict their vision, they will noticeably calm down (but don't let down your guard). Try not to worsen any of the injuries. Make sure limbs fold properly and feathers are not bent or broken. Bundle it carefully.

To transport it to a vet or rehabilitator, find a small container, only slightly larger than the bird or animal. A ventilated cardboard box works well. Try to keep the creature warm, but not hot. Do not offer food or water.

Can I care for it myself?

Please, don't. Rehabilitators are specially trained and should have the appropriate permits to care for wildlife. Hand-raising baby animals is harmful to the animal -- they need to be raised wild (Learn more about bird imprinting, read Tinkerbell's story). Many of us have a soft spot in our hearts for wild creatures and love to imagine that a wild animal would love us in return if we cared for it and nursed it to health or to adulthood. In reality, these creatures never do well when returned to the wild. They also never make good pets. Our domestic pets (dogs, cats, etc.) have been specially bred over many generations to be tolerant and loving toward their human caretakers. Wild animals are trained by nature not to trust humans. Even a wild baby, hand raised and loved by humans, can quickly turn and become dangerous when frightened. It is not only bad for the animal, it is bad for you and it is very often illegal. So, please, please, please, take the animal to a licensed rehabilitator or veterinarian for care.

If you have a heart for wildlife, like we do, look out for their best interests. Get involved with your local rehabilitation center and volunteer your time. Don't try to do it yourself. If you are interested in opening your own rehabilitation center, talk to your local department of fish and wildlife for information on training and permits. Educate yourself, volunteer and talk to other rehabbers. It is important that you understand how to do it properly and legally.

For more info on dealing with injured wildlife and finding rehabilitators in your area, see our links page.

How to Help Injured Wildlife Oregon Raptor Center

How to Help Injured Wildlife
Oregon Raptor Center