Instructions on how to get an animal to a rehabber.
Click Here For InformationFor rehabber contact information, choose the animal below.
IMPORTANT: If you found an injured adult animal, please use extreme caution.
Read both the basic instructions below and the supplemental information for individual species before handling the animal.
Before calling a rehabber, take these two steps.
1. Bring the animal inside and place in a well ventilated box that has been lined with a towel that has no frayed edges or holes. If it is a mammal, place a second towel lightly over the animal like a tent. Put the animal/box in a semi-dark, quiet location of your home. Handle the animal as little as possible.
2. Wild animals are under extreme stress when in captivity. You MUST provide all mammals (see information below for birds) on supplemental heat regardless of the temperature of the room. This will help decrease shock due to stress and/or injuries. Place a heating pad on a low setting on your counter or floor. Next, place a folded towel on top of the heating pad. Finally, put the half of animal’s box on top of the heating pad/towel. Placing the box half on and half off the heating pad will allow the animal to move away from the heat if it feels too warm.
If you do not have a heating pad, you can use a hot water bottle or water in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place this type of supplemental heat securely inside the box and tucked under the towel. Water cools quickly so you must check the water at least every 30 minutes. Do not let the water turn cold. Additionally, putting uncooked rice or dried beans in a sock and microwaving it for a minute to warm will work nicely. You want the sock to feel warm, but not hot as this will burn the animal.
Birds that are fully feathered do not need additional heat. Naked (unfeathered) birds will need to be kept warm. See under birds.
DO NOT
Special Note
Animals that have been chilled from rain or cold will need extra care to get their temperature back to normal. These animals may not be able to be reunited with their mom. They may need to go on an antibiotic and be monitored closely for pneumonia. Call a rehabber.
Instructions on how to care for injured or orphaned wildlife and contact information for local wildlife rehabilitators.
We are a Wildlife Rehabiliation non-profit in Raleigh, North Carolina dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife. WWI provides training, resources and support to our member rehabilitators to care for our area’s wildlife.
Join us and take training classes to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Care for local wildlife within a supportive community of rehabbers with the same passion for animals.
Wildlife Welfare also needs other volunteers, donations of good or monetary donations. Click here to find out more ways you can help.