What to do if you find an injured wild animal:
📷 Take a picture of the animal.
☎  Call us at 541-485-1320 ext. 2. If we don’t answer, leave us a detailed voicemail.
📦 Contain the animal securely in a well-ventilated container. Click here for a guide on containing injured birds.
🚗 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. Â
Always 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.Â
If you aren’t in Oregon, check the Animal Help Now website to find a wildlife rehabilitator close to you.
Preparing to Rescue Wildlife
BE AWARE of environmental hazards (traffic, blind curves, uneven ground, live wires, etc.) when approaching an injured wil animal. If it is unsafe, do not proceed. Your safety must come first.
APPROACH SLOWLY AND WITH CAUTION. Animals do not understand that you are trying to help and will attempt to escape or defend themselves. Take your time and watch the animal’s behavior closely.
MINIMIZE DIRECT PHYSICAL CONTACTÂ 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 bundle it into a transport box. This will immobilize the animal, remove visual stressors, and help protect you from being scratched or bitten.
LEAVE LARGE ANIMALS TO THE PROFFESIONALS. Please do not risk your safety by trying to handle adult raccoons, herons, or eagles. 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.Â
SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK IN ANIMALS
A wild animal that will 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. Â
MINIMIZING EFFECTS OF SHOCK
Eliminating unnecessary stress is the single best thing you, as a rescuer, can do to help reduce shock in a wild animal. Hovering, handling, taking pictures, allowing children or pets to approach, talking to, exposing to extra noise and temperature extremes 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.Â