I just found a wild animal that needs
help.
What do I do?
Don’t endanger yourself! Be careful not to get biten! If you come across a dangerous wild animal, call the PA Game Commission or call someone for assistance.
Contain the animal if possible.
Place the animal in a small covered box in a warm quiet place. Use paper towels or a soft cloth for bedding.
Once an animal is contained, do not handle it!
If an animal is hard to catch…maybe it doesn’t need our help.
Don’t keep a wild animal overnight or any longer than necessary. In many cases, a wild animal that can be caught is in serious condition. Babies must be placed in an incubator ASAP. If you’re not sure if an animal needs help, call someone for assistance.
Do not offer any food or water (especially milk). The animals health status should be evaluated first.
A bird or small animal can be placed in a small box with soft cloth on the bottom. Make sure the box is covered. Placing a recycling bin over an animal is an effective way to contain an animal. Don’t endanger yourself. If you come across a dangerous animal, call the Game Commission or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
In most cases, a wild animal that allows you to walk right up to it and pick it up is in serious condition. There are exceptions such as fledgling birds. Fledgling birds go through a normal process where they emerge from the nest before they can fly. The fledgling will then spend a few days on the ground, learning to fly, while the parents are still caring for it. However, if you are concerned about a wild animals, call someone for assistance as soon as possible. Many baby birds need to eat every 1/2 hour or every hour.
For more information on how to determine if a wild animal needs help, see the Reference Sheet.
Call a wildlife rehabilitator ASAP for assistance: (Don't e-mail)
Pennsylvania Licensed Rehabilitators
How To Locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator in Other Areas
I just found a wild animal... is it OK if I keep it?
It is illegal to possess a protected animal without a proper permit or license. State law in Pennsylvania with the exception of house sparrows, European Starlings, and Pigeons protects ALL native species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Federal law also protects all native species of birds. This includes the bird itself, the feathers, and the nest. Wild animals have special dietary needs. For example, giving hamburger to a hawk or only nuts to a squirrel will eventually cause rickets. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to properly feed and care for these animals. Many animals, especially birds must be properly identified so the appropriate diet can be provided. A plain old black bird could be a chimney swift, a grackle or a crow. These three birds require very different diets. Giving any of these birds the inappropriate diet could have devastating effects. Most animals that come into a wildlife rehab center have a serious medical problems such as bite wounds, broken bones, parasites, and diseases. These problems need to be identified and treated ASAP if the animals are to be successfully rehabilitated and released.
Wild animals are just that .... Wild Animals. The animal may be cute and manageable as an infant .... BUT, when this animal reaches maturity, it may become mean or hurt itself trying to get out of cage, etc. Wild animals have special care, and housing needs. They cannot be cared for or housed the same as a pet .... because .... they are not pets. This is the purpose of a wildlife rehabilitator, to provide appropriate care to wild animals until they can be released.
We value your input. Please send your comments to robyn@statecollege.com