Healing Hands
You’re walking the dog, driving to work, or raking leaves—and suddenly you see it: a bird lying motionless, a fawn alone in the grass, or a raccoon caught in a fence. Wildlife emergencies can happen anywhere, and for many people, the desire to help is immediate and strong.
But knowing how to help—and when not to intervene—is just as important as the act itself. Wildlife emergencies require calm observation, good judgment, and often a call to trained professionals.
Stumbling upon an injured bird, squirrel, or other wild animal can be distressing. Your first instinct may be to scoop it up and try to help, but it's important to pause and consider what’s truly best for the animal. Wild animals have complex needs and stress easily. Well-meaning attempts to help can sometimes cause more harm than good.
The good news is, you can help by knowing when to intervene, who to contact, and how to keep both the animal and yourself safe.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before rushing in, observe the animal quietly from a distance. Not every animal that appears hurt actually needs help.
Signs an Animal May Be Injured or in Distress:
Visible wounds, bleeding, or a drooping limb
Inability to stand, fly, or move normally
Lethargy or unresponsiveness
Weakness, trembling, or labored breathing
Sitting in an exposed location for an extended period (especially if it’s a nocturnal animal during the day)
Signs It May Be Normal Behavior:
A young bird hopping on the ground during fledging
A fawn lying alone in tall grass (mother is likely nearby)
A rabbit sitting still in a shallow nest
A turtle crossing the road (not injured—just slow!)
If you’re unsure, it’s always safest to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal rescue organization for advice before taking action.
Step 2: Keep the Animal Safe
If the animal is clearly injured, in immediate danger (from traffic, pets, etc.), or unresponsive, you may need to carefully move it to safety while getting help.
If you must contain the animal:
Gently place a well-ventilated container such as box or carrier over the animal.
Slide a piece of cardboard under the container.
Secure the lid using tape.
Cover the container with a breathable cloth.
Keep it in a quiet, warm, dark place away from people, pets, or loud noises. Don’t try to feed, bathe, or comfort the animal.
Never offer food or water unless instructed as doing so can worsen injuries or cause choking.
Step 3: Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and legally permitted to care for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
How to Find Help:
Search online for “wildlife rehabilitator + your location”
Contact your local animal control, humane society, or veterinary clinic
Reach out to a nature center, park ranger station, or state wildlife agency
Use directories like:
Animal Help Now
Give them detailed information: what kind of animal it is, what happened, and where you are. They’ll advise you on the next steps.
What Not to Do
Don’t try to keep the animal as a pet. It’s illegal in most areas and harmful to the animal’s survival.
Don’t give food, milk, or water. Wild animals have specific dietary needs, and the wrong food can be fatal.
Don’t assume a baby animal is orphaned. Many young animals are left alone while parents gather food. Always observe before acting.
Don’t force interaction. Wild animals can go into shock from handling and human contact.
Be Aware of Potentially Dangerous Animals
Some injured wildlife can be dangerous to approach, even when they appear weak or calm. Use extreme caution and never attempt to handle animals that could pose a threat.
Examples of potentially venomous or risky species in North America:
Snakes: Venomous species include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes.
Bats: Though typically non-aggressive, bats may carry rabies. Never handle a grounded or injured bat with bare hands.
Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, or skunks: These can carry rabies or act unpredictably when injured or cornered.
Large animals: These can cause injuries due to size alone, including seemingly docile animals such as deer or sheep.
If you find one of these animals injured or in distress:
Do not attempt to contain or touch the animal.
Keep people and pets at a safe distance.
Call animal control or a wildlife professional who is trained to handle venomous or high-risk species.
Helping Without Handling
Even if you’re not able to rescue the animal directly, you can still help:
Keep the area safe and calm until help arrives.
Mark the spot if you need to leave, so rescuers can find it.
Share rescue resources with your community so others know who to call.
Final Thought:
It’s a natural and compassionate response to want to help a struggling wild animal. But real help begins with awareness, patience, and knowing the limits of what you can safely do. With the right action you can give wildlife the best chance to survive and return to the wild where they belong.
Be their protector. Know when to call. Know when to pause. And know that you’re making a difference just by caring.