Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Wildlife Emergencies
The tips below are general guidelines. Please remember that wildlife can be extremely dangerous, biting and scratching, even when injured, ill or very young and should always be approached with caution!
1. Before capturing an animal you feel may need help, observe quietly from a distance for a time to help determine if the animal really needs help. Keep pets and other people away. Remember that just because a young animal is alone it does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned. Wildlife mothers normally leave their young alone for periods of time while hunting.
2. If a cat or dog has had the animal, even if you do not see wounds or blood, place the animal in a small box with a clean T-shirt or towel and contact a rehabilitator immediately. Please DO NOT give it food or water. DO NOT handle it other than to put it in the box, these babies very quickly die from being handled.
3. In all situations where you have determined that the animal does need help, never feed the animal or give it water. Doing so may kill an injured or dehydrated animal. Never try to medicate or apply first aid to an animal even if there are wounds. Wildlife can carry diseases transmissible to humans. Contact with blood or other body fluids puts you at risk. Some medications intended for use on humans or domestic animals may kill or sicken wildlife. Always wash your hands thoroughly after capturing the animal. It may be wise to wear disposable gloves for the capture.
Click on the words below for help with specific baby animals.
BIRDS
RABBITS
DUCKS or GEESE
SQUIRRELS
SQUIRRELS
FAWNS
RESCUE TIPS
