If you are wondering if you found an orphaned animal please look at the list below. There are also general instructions on containing the animal, but please click here for more detail about handling the species you found.

Your safety should be your top priority. If it safe to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal:

  1. Contact us so we can discuss the situation with you. Rabies vector species (RVS) should not be handled.

  2. Get an appropriately-sized box for the baby. You may also use a pet carrier or container as long as there are air holes poked in it before the animal is inside.

  3. Put a hand towel or thin fleece on the bottom of the box and another small piece of fabric for the animal(s) to snuggle in. Please do not use full+ sized blankets.

  4. Using gloves, use the hand towel to gently pick up or scoop the animal into the box. Older juveniles may bite. Please be cautious of their mouths. RVS can be very gently nudged or scooped into the box using a snow shovel.

  5. Secure the lid.

  6. Put a heating pad underneath half of the box so the baby can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns.

    • Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place Hot Hands packs or water bottles inside the box with the animal.

  7. Wash your hands.

  8. Bring the animal to us immediately. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the box in a warm, dark, quiet area of your home or garage that is away from pets, children and noise.

  9. DO NOT GIVE ANY FOOD OR LIQUIDS TO THE ANIMAL!

  10. DO NOT hold, cuddle or talk to the animal.

  • If a young animal is covered in flies, fly eggs (they look like tiny grains of rice), fleas, ticks, etc. they are not being groomed by their parents and are in poor health.

  • This is the most common reason baby animals are discovered by humans. If a baby has been crying incessantly for several hours or it is trying to crawl up your leg it is very likely that mom is not coming back. Please do not feed it.

  • The parent(s) of wild animals are often killed by cars or disgruntled humans. However, wild parents do not like to be by their young because it draws attention to them so if you are not sure please call us and we will help you determine if the baby needs help.

  • If an animal has been inside a cat or dog’s mouth they need to be brought in for assessment. Cats create puncture wounds with their claws and teeth that can seal over quickly so you may not notice them. Dogs create internal injuries from the crushing motion of their jaws. Big paws and claws also create lacerations, bruising and fractures.

  • Feeding or giving an animal water improperly or too soon can cause severe digestive issues, aspiration pneumonia, shock, and death. Please do not give the animal anything to eat or drink. If you have given it something, please be honest so we can adjust the animal’s treatment plan accordingly.

    Baby animals need to be kept warm and need to eat their species-specific diet very frequently. If an animal has been without proper nutrition for 6+ hours it should be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

  • All species of babies should be warm to the touch. If they are cold they should be warmed before being returned to their nest or brought in for rehabilitation. Please call/message us immediately and we will decide what the best option is.

  • If the animal is very lethargic (droopy limbs/head, not responsive) it is in need of help.

  • If the animal is bleeding, has a broken limb, was hit by a car, etc. it needs to be assessed.

  • If the animal has an incredibly distended belly it likely needs medical attention. We will need to assess this to ensure it isn’t just a full milk belly. Please contact us.

Is this animal orphaned?

If the animal(s) meet any of the following criteria please contact us.

The animal is orphaned. Now what?

To read more about the species of animal you found please click here.

Note: The information contained in this text regarding health and/or safety precautions may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the reader’s obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. We are not responsible for injuries occurred from you handling wild animals. Do so at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal do not handle it.