What to do if you find an injured wild animal:
📷 Take a picture of the animal.
This is very helpful for any rehabilitators who might respond to the situation.
📦 Contain the animal securely in a well-ventilated container.
Use a container that is non-airtight but can be securely closed, like a cardboard box with airholes or a pet carrier. Line the bottom of the container with a non-looped material such as paper towels, a pillowcase, or an old T-shirt.
🔇 Move the contained animal to a space that is warm, dark and quiet.
Resist the urge to handle it or to peek in the box! As tempting as it is, this is very stressful for the animal, which can make its condition worse. Keep children and other animals out of the space.
⛔️ Follow these very important DON’Ts of wildlife rescue:
DON’T offer food or water.
DON’T try to provide medical care.
DON’T check on or handle the animal for any reason.
📞 Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately!
Don’t wait a few days till it is convenient – this can be deadly for the animal. If you cannot transport the animal right away yourself, try asking a friend for help.
To find your nearest rehabilitator, check with your state wildlife agency, such as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
How do I capture an injured bird?
- Protect yourself against injury. Wear leather gloves and long sleeves if possible.
- If possible, have a container ready nearby for the bird (see above for what makes a good bird container).
- Approach slowly and quietly. Remember, it does not know you are trying to help and will likely try to escape.
- Gently toss a blanket or towel over the bird. Then bundle the bird into the towel and place the entire bundle in the container.
WILDLIFE EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Cascades Raptor Center: (541) 485-1320 ext. 2
Hotline open 8 am-6 pm, 7 days a week
Chintimini Wildlife Center (Corvallis, serves multiple surrounding counties): (541) 745-5324
Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife: 1 (800) 720-6339
Oregon State Police: (541) 726-2536
Animal Help Now: Nationwide listing of rehabilitation facilities and more
FURTHER READING
BE AWARE of environmental hazards when approaching an injured wild animal – traffic, uneven ground, live wires, etc. You don’t want to get yourself hurt while helping another!
APPROACH SLOWLY AND WITH CAUTION. Remember, the animal does not know you are trying to help it and may try to escape or defend itself. Take your time and watch the animal’s behavior closely. Often, trying to hurry a rescue only makes the rescue more difficult.
REMOVE ANIMALS FROM THE ROAD. If you find an animal that has been hit by a car, even if it is already dead, your first step should be to carefully remove it from both the road and shoulder. This will prevent the carcass from causing car accidents or more animals being struck by cars (scavenger animals often feed on roadkill).
MINIMIZE DIRECT PHYSICAL CONTACT with the animal – use gloves if you have them. If the animal is on the ground, toss a jacket or blanket over it and use this to gather it up. This will immobilize the animal, remove visual stressors, and help protect you from being scratched or bitten.
Note: Please do not risk your safety by trying to handle adult raccoons, herons, or large raptors. These are powerful animals that can cause serious injury without proper training and protective gear. Call your local rehabilitation center for assistance!
Capturing and transporting injured animals is not a process to be taken lightly. If you are uncertain of your ability to safely contain an animal, it is always best to call a rehabilitation facility first.
That said, sometimes you might find an animal hurt and be the only one available to help, especially in a remote location or at night. For these occasions, it may be useful to keep a few basic supplies in your car, including:
- Lightweight box or crate with lid (many pet stores sell inexpensive folding carriers made from corrugated cardboard or plastic that can be stored flat)
- Old sheets or towels
- Goggles
- Sturdy work gloves (preferably full-grain leather)
- Latex gloves
- Flashlight
- Plug-in heating pad (with adapter for car if needed)
- Phone numbers for your local wildlife hospital, animal control department, animal shelter, and game agency
WHAT IS SHOCK?
Shock occurs when not enough oxygen is being delivered to an organism’s tissues, usually because of insufficient blood flow. It is a common side effect of major physical trauma and can result in major organ failure or death if not treated promptly.
SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK IN ANIMALS
A wild animal that is content to sit on your finger or in your hand is not being friendly; it is usually in shock and/or paralyzed with fear. Other signs of shock may include rapid breathing, vomiting, shivering, dilated pupils, and skin that is cold to the touch.
MINIMIZING EFFECTS OF SHOCK
Eliminating unnecessary stressors is the single best thing you, as a rescuer, can do to help reduce shock in a wild animal. Handling, noise, and cold temperatures all contribute to an animal’s stress. Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet environment until you can safely transport it to a rehabilitation facility.