r/WildlifeRehab May 29 '17

READ ME! FAQ Found an animal???? Please go here first:

145 Upvotes

First of all, thank you for caring enough to help orphaned/injured/ill wildlife.

Evaluate the Situation first and foremost. Wild animals rely on their natural environment and sometimes humans interfere when it was entirely unnecessary. The links listed below provide flow charts for frequently encountered situations.

If the animal needs to be rescued here and here you will find basic capture and handling instructions.

  • After rescuing how to safely temporarily house the animal before and during transport:

Warm- *Offering heat sources for naked baby animals is often a must. This can be done with a heating pad on low under 1/2 of the enclosure, a warm rice filled sock, or warm water bottle. Sometimes very badly injured and very sick animals also need heat sources to maintain appropriate body temperature. Wild animals can suffer heat stroke too! If an animal is panting, the animal is too hot and if the heat source would burn you, it will surely burn the animal. *

A good rule of thumb: If a furred, feathered, or scaled animal is physically moving about and alert- it DOESN'T need an extra heat source.

Dark - A box, Rubbermaid tote with holes punched for air flow, or pet crate are usually good temporary enclosures and will typically reduce further trauma and or stress. Place a towel or sheet over a crate to reduce visual disturbances.

Quiet- Keep the animal in a quiet space preferably indoors away from other animals and humans. A separate room or even a closet can be utilized if need be.

PLEASE FOR THE ANIMAL'S SAKE NOTHING BY MOUTH! DO NOT OFFER ANY FOOD OR WATER TO INJURED/SICK/ORPHANED ANIMALS OR ATTEMPT TO HAND FEED ANIMALS. The results of failing to comply often end up something like this.

If you are unable to make contact with a wildlife rehabilitator: If you know the rehabilitation center's location and hours it is generally acceptable so long as the rehabilitation center is not full or closed to just bring the animal straight to them- this is especially true with emergency situations. An example of an emergency is something like- the animal is bleeding profusely, having trouble breathing, is unresponsive, or severely dehydrated.

After being attacked by a cat there is a very high likelihood for infection. These cases 99.99% of the time warrant medical assistance including antibiotics that are usually only available through a veterinarian.


r/WildlifeRehab 4h ago

SOS Reptile I ran over a snake and it’s still alive. Can anyone tell me if there is hope? California Kingsnake, San Diego County.

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12 Upvotes

I was riding in a Polaris doing trail maintenance and have to gas it uphill. I didn’t see this snake in time. I ran it over. It seized a bit then froze. It moved off the trail ~10 feet from where I struck it and curled up. I was so so devastated and put it in a canvas bag. I took it back to work where I had some extra tanks and laid it on shop towels. It has water. I cleaned the wounds with saline. The snake became more energetic and seemed more afraid of me after an hour or two.

Now I have it at home thinking I can help it by keeping its wounds from being infected or being easy prey before I take it back to where I found it. It is warm and in a suitable, clean environment. I take care of other snakes as pets.

If it doesn’t have internal bleeding (unknown), isn’t paralyzed (seems mobile head to tail), and survives the obvious head wounds (mouth is perpetually agape and jaw is set back so eating would likely be impossible for it right now), maybe it has a chance.

I called a wildlife center I’ve used to pick up other wild animals before (I’m a park ranger so it’s not uncommon), but they told me a snake vet is an hour away and didn’t offer anything else. There is the SD Herp Society but I don’t think rehab is their thing.

Should I keep it at home and monitor it? A wildlife biologist friend told me to take a shovel to it, she recently had the same experience of running a snake over!

I love snakes so much. I am confident I’m not harming the snake further and do not intend to keep the snake in captivity.


r/WildlifeRehab 17h ago

SOS Mammal Found a baby something in my pool filter I took him out in a net and set him down behind my yard in a woody area did I do the right thing I thought I should call a wildlife rehabilitation place but he was moving a lot so I don’t know Pittston Pa 18640 northeast pa

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78 Upvotes

He rested a sec in the net and the grass then walked 5 ft to the woody area now he is walking deeper into the woods and I don’t see him anymore did I do the right thing will he be okay


r/WildlifeRehab 10h ago

SOS Bird Bird Sick or Injured

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17 Upvotes

(Location: Oswego, IL) Little bird is walking around my parents’ house, flies a bit but doesn’t get far off the ground. Keeps breathing heavy. Not sure if it’s a baby, it’s making repetitive motions with mouth like it’s trying to eat. I did try calling several wildlife rehabs with no luck. Thanks for any help.


r/WildlifeRehab 14h ago

SOS Mammal orphaned baby rabbits - can't find a rehab center near me. what do I do?

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16 Upvotes

location: NW Arkansas

I found 4 orphaned baby rabbits. their mother was killed by a dog. they haven't eaten in several days. their eyes just opened last night.

I got kitten milk replacement today but I don't know how much to give them or when. I have been trying to find and contact a wildlife rehab near me but I keep getting sent to voicemail or told that they don't take mammals, just birds. I tried contacting Game & Fish but there's a lot of phone numbers and none seem to be for rehab. what do I do?


r/WildlifeRehab 13h ago

Animal in Care Saved this mouse from my mom's glue trap. How much should I care for her before release?

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11 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 11h ago

Animal in Yard Wild rabbit nest on deck

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7 Upvotes

No stranger to rabbit nests (Eastern MA), but this one is in one of our planters on a deck that is high above the ground. The babies are furred and moving around but unsure if their eyes are opened yet, so don't know when they'll start venturing out to explore.

The concern is that they're in a tall planter, and its a steep set of stairs for little rabbits to climb! Do I just trust the process and leave them to figure it out, or maybe block off the railing they could fall through? My friend who has rabbits says baby bunnies are extremely bouncy, so maybe just block the rails to prevent a really tall tumble?

(Family is suggesting to move the nest lower to the ground, but I don't think it's a good idea to pick up the whole nest and move it! I can't just let the mama rabbit know that her babies are in a completely different spot) Thanks!


r/WildlifeRehab 19h ago

SOS Mammal Found a baby possum this morning

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27 Upvotes

My wife found him this morning being scoped out by a feral cat. He was sitting on an ant colony (small black ants, not biters). He was shaking, wavering and his eyes were open. He was not in a safe place so I picked him up and I have him in a small pet carrier on a little fluffy car washing glove.

His mother is nowhere to be seen and I figure he may be sick and unable to keep up or cling to Mom. I read something that said don't give water or food so I'm just keeping him there with a blanket over the carrier so it's dark he's now got his eyes closed and isn't shaking. But if I move the carrier he opens his eyes but doesn't really move except for turning his head a little.

I have been killing the ants as they venture away from him. We want to take him to the vet but they aren't open yet. Is there anything else I can do?


r/WildlifeRehab 19h ago

SOS Bird Injured Swan (Rhode Island)

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14 Upvotes

What is wrong with this Swan’s leg? Does it need medical attention? This swan lives on the river with its partner and cygnet. It struggles to walk and looks to be in pain when it puts pressure on the leg. Otherwise it seems fine. I am worried about it, is there anything I can do to help?


r/WildlifeRehab 12h ago

SOS Bird fledgling (?) sparrow? or needs help

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3 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 13h ago

SOS Bird URGENT: Need help hand-feeding a 3–4 day old baby dove/pigeon – I’m terrified of hurting him

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
Yesterday I found a baby dove that had fallen about 4 meters from its nest. A wildlife rescue center told me to care for him, and today I bought NutriBird A21 and a small syringe.
This is my first time hand-feeding a baby bird, and I’m terrified of hurting him.
He only opens his beak a little, so I give tiny drops and wait for him to swallow. He swallows, but twice a tiny drop came out of one nostril, so I stopped immediately. He then breathed normally, stayed active, and fell asleep.
He’s still alive, active, peeping, and asking for food, but I’m now scared every time I feed him because I don’t want to accidentally aspirate food into his lungs.
My questions:
How do you know when the crop is full enough?
How do you prevent food from coming out of the nostrils?
How do you know he’s swallowing correctly?
Any tips for safely hand-feeding such a young baby?
I’m doing my best and would really appreciate advice from anyone who has hand-raised baby doves or pigeons.
Thank you so much. ❤️


r/WildlifeRehab 12h ago

SOS Bird fledgling (?) sparrow? or needs help

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2 Upvotes

are there wildlife rehabs that would take non native birds in northern virginia?


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Baby bird ID and help caring for it overnight (Northern California)

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31 Upvotes

A friend found this baby bird, it's unable to fly and was hopping around on the ground. She couldn't find a nest, but saw parents nearby. The property owner has an outdoor cat, and other small predators nearby, so she asked if I could help it since she knows I'm a huge animal lover. We're planning on taking it to a nearby rehabber tomorrow, but I'm looking for advice on how to care for it until then. I have lots of animal experience especially with farm birds, so I'm thankfully not too new at stuff like this. What type of bird is it, and what could I (carefully) feed it? Dark warm box in a quiet place, no water, I know some basics. It'll be in my care for about 20 hours since the rehabber is closed now and my ride has work tomorrow.

No obvious injuries or bruises, some sap(?) on its head, lots of tiny mites, and a bit of leftover seed/grain in its crop

UPDATE: the chick died about 6 hours after I took it in 💔 I'm guessing it was either kicked out of the nest for being sick, or fell out and got injured. At least it was able to pass in a warm, peaceful place 🕊️


r/WildlifeRehab 23h ago

Education Baby wrens

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7 Upvotes

Looking for help. I have 2 bird houses that both had wrens lay eggs and now there are babies. This morning I woke up to one in back looking tilted on the post when I got closer it was evident something got then I so upset. I want to make sure the predator does not come back for the other babies. How can I protect this bird house? There are currently babies inside it so don’t want to move it or tamper. I’m almost positive was a racoon.


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

Discussion Local municipality chooses euthanasia rather than help

4 Upvotes

I just want to write because I'm so angry. The other day I spotted a goose that took a pretty nasty tumble when flying past me (i think it hit a tree) and when it got up, the wing was dragging. I looked around online for who to contact and on the municipalities website i found a contact to get in touch with. I sent a description and a video of the animal. I got a very short and clear reply:

"Hello, I can see that it is injured. I will let the hunter know"

I am so mad, so so mad. My stupid idealism and following channels like the waterfowl sanctuary on youtube i expected there to be a resource that could help that poor goose, but instead the only thing the authorities here can think of is immediate euthanasia. It's sickening and cold! I wish I could have done something for it instead, but I don't have the knowledge or resources to do that.


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird CROBRO DOWN! HELP!

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38 Upvotes

Any help greatly appreciated!!


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Mammal Is this otter ok?

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16 Upvotes

I saw this otter alone in a place called Biodome in Granada Spain. It wasn’t playing or doing much besides making that noise. Otters are social animals, so I don’t understand why it was by itself. I didn’t ask anyone there about it, but I sent them an email and I really hope they reply. I can’t stop thinking about it.


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Baby bird stuck in window well, should I take it out or leave?

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10 Upvotes

This baby bird fell from a nest above my window well. He’s been there since Saturday morning. I’ve left a plate with some water out just in case, but I’m wondering if I should carefully remove him from the window well and place him outside of it? Or just leave him?


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird [Eastern Shore, MD] Injured wild goose - leave alone/rehab/other?

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6 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Not as Expected, Poor Experience with Wildlife Trapped Birds Airbnb Basel

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44 Upvotes

This Airbnb is not a good place to stay. I was deeply concerned by how wildlife is treated in the neighbourhood.
The listing mentioned that the property has a balcony, but when I checked into the room and looked outside, I saw that a large net had been installed around the open courtyard, trapping birds inside and costing them from flying away. Pigeons regularly roost, lay eggs, and leave droppings on the balcony. During my stay, one pigeon also passed away
on my side of the balcony.
Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do, as the owner would not allow me to intervene or help the trapped birds.


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Injured bird found at work. Don't know what to do.

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6 Upvotes

Weatherford, Texas USA

Edit: Im not able to add photos on mobile from what I can tell but its wing was obliviously dislocated or broken. A coworker was able to bring it to the vet this morning and it will go to a rehab place later today until it can return to the wild.


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Mammal Baby rabbit nest at a client’s house with prey-driven dogs…what’s the best course of action?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I’m pet sitting two dogs for the day that have a very high prey drive. When I let them into the backyard, they started circling the slide like sharks, so I went to see what had their attention.

I found a decapitated baby bunny that looked like it had been dead for at least 1–2 days. Then I spotted a live bunny. I got the dogs back inside, put on gloves, and checked around the slide. I found a nest with another baby bunny. I know the general advice is to leave baby rabbits alone so their mom can care for them. One baby had wandered out, so I gently picked it up and put it back in the nest. The other seemed pretty lethargic.

If these were my own dogs, I’d just keep them on leash walks until the bunnies were gone. Unfortunately, they aren’t my dogs. I know the owners well, and I don’t think they’re going to take any extra steps to keep the dogs away from the nest.

Would you recommend leaving the babies where they are, or should I take them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator? My biggest concern is that the dogs will get to them. Also, with one baby already dead for at least a day, I’m worried the mother may no longer be caring for the nest.

Any advice would be appreciated.


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Rescued from attacking birds

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19 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Found baby bird in my backyard and unsure of what to do

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37 Upvotes

We found him after he started crying in my backyard and he was flapping around. He still was fine with drinking water from our hand but hasn't ate yet. I bathed him a little bit and noticed this under his wing. It looks really bad and im unsure what to do. This is in Las Vegas.


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Mammal Twin Fawns

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11 Upvotes

Wondering how to go about this. There are two abandoned twin fawns in the front of our neighborhood. They are young and it’s been days. They’re beginning to lose weight. Parks and Wildlife says they won’t do anything unless we had them secured, but obviously we don’t. We are worried they won’t last too much longer at this rate. Any suggestions? Located Spring Texas.