At Tri County Wildlife Care, we count on our community members to contact us if they encounter injured or abandoned wildlife. You are our eyes and ears, and being proactive is the surest way a wild critter in need of rescue gets attention quickly. But always exercise caution. Wild animals fear humans and may react aggressively if cornered or captured, particularly if they are injured and in pain.
Follow these guidelines for safely helping sick or orphaned wildlife:
First determine if the animal needs your help. Is there a visible injury such as a cut or broken limb? Is the animal bleeding, shivering or unable to stand/walk/fly? Call Tri County Wildlife Rescue right away if you see an obviously injured wild animal so that we can advise you how best to proceed. We may ask you to bring the animal to us if you can do so safely, or we will arrange for someone to come to your location.
If you find a baby bird or other young wildlife left unattended, do not assume it is orphaned. Finding a baby bird or fawn alone in the wild does not necessarily mean mom and dad are not nearby. Deer, foxes and rabbits often leave their babies unattended for brief periods. It is also possible the little one has fallen from a nest or wandered too far from the den. If the animal appears healthy, we advise watching it from a distance to see if the parents return. If the baby is alone for more than 24 hours, is injured or is otherwise in distress, call Tri County Wildlife Care at (209) 283-3245
Always consider your own safety. Coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, raptors, and other predators can inflict serious harm if cornered. In fact, all wild animals have the potential to hurt you if not handled properly. Call Tri County Wildlife Care when you see an injured animal so that we can advise you on the best course of action. Our team is trained in the best ways to handle sick or injured wildlife.
Proceed with care. If the animal does not present a threat to your safety and we ask you to bring it to us, try to find a towel or gloves to gently gather the critter. Use an appropriately sized box or crate with adequate ventilation to transport the animal to our facility. Keep the box or crate in a dark, quiet space. Do not handle raccoons, bats, coyotes, foxes or skunks without wearing protective gear as these species may carry rabies.