Immediate Support

Call or text our emergency wildlife hotline at (717) 268-9574 Please leave a message, and we will get back to you ASAP

If the Animal You Find:

  • Is bleeding or has obvious broken bones

  • Has been hit by a car

  • Has been in a dog or cat’s mouth

  • Has numerous parasites, including fly eggs (look like grains of rice)

This is an emergency! Please contact us right away via call or text at 717-268-9574 or find another local wildlife rehabilitator at Animal Help Now.

If the Animal You Find:

  • Is a baby or juvenile animal found alone

  • Is a young animal found outside of its nest or unable to fly

  • Is an adult animal not moving but does not appear injured

  • Is a nocturnal animal out in the daytime

This may not be an emergency. Find more information about natural behaviors and renesting baby wildlife here.

The Dos and Don’ts of a Wildlife Emergency

Your actions can make a HUGE difference in the survival of the animal(s) you find!

  • Do not keep the animal and try to rehabilitate it. Keeping a wild animal is illegal!

  • Do not capture the animal until speaking with a wildlife rehabilitator, unless the animal is in immediate danger or may escape with a severe injury. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you will provide safe instructions and can interpret natural behaviors to help you take the next steps.

  • Do not feed or provide water to the animal unless directed by the wildlife rehabilitator who is going to admit the animal. We know that this sounds counter productive. But giving food and water to a sick animal can cause re-feeding syndrome, aspiration and even death. A trained wildlife rehabilitator will be able to provide FAST and safe nutrition and hydration to the animal once it is admitted for care.

  • Do place the animal in a dark, quiet location away from humans and pets if you have an animal contained. Stress can mean Capture Myopathy (a stress-induced muscle degenerative condition that can be fatal). Think about an animal’s natural behavior — you should not be handling the animal except for moving it to a safe, quiet place that’s temperate.

  • Do not allow children or pets near sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Wildlife can carry a variety of diseases that can make you and your family sick. If anyone has been bitten or come in contact with saliva from a rabies vector species (raccoon, fox, coyote, skunk, bat or groundhog), contact your local health department immediately. Do not handle the animal once it is captured. You can use this as an opportunity to teach children about respecting wildlife and that wild animals are very different from our pets.

  • Do make sure the wild animal is contained and secured if you are transporting in a vehicle. Do not hold the animal and limit talking, smoking and music while in the car to minimize stress. Transport the animal as soon as you can to an available wildlife rehabilitator. Don’t forget to call first!