You Found a Wild Animal in Need of Help, Now What?

If you have found an injured, orphaned, or sick animal, please call our free advice hotline 707-526-WILD(9453) to speak with a trained SCWR volunteer.

While you are waiting for a call back, click here for proper housing directions.

If you found a baby animal, please read "How can you tell if an animal needs rescue" (below) before calling. And take a look at this interesting guide "I Found a Baby Mammal," click here.

If you have found a sick, injured or orphaned songbird please visit our songbird hospital website, www.songbirdhospital.org, or call 707-484-6502 for information on what to do.

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Warning: DO NOT handle ANY wild animal with your bare hands. Any animal that bites a human must be euthanized and tested for rabies even if it shows no signs of being sick. They MUST be handled with gloves or towels!

Animal Drop off: 9-5:30 Seven days a week
403 Mecham Rd, Petaluma Ca

How Can You Tell if an Animal Needs Rescue?

How can you tell if an animal needs your help or should be left alone? Here are some general signs to look for:

  • The wild animal is presented to you by a cat or dog
  • Bleeding
  • An apparent or obvious broken limb
  • A featherless or nearly featherless bird (nestling) on the ground
  • Shivering
  • Evidence of a dead parent nearby

Spotting a baby animal by itself doesn't necessarily mean it's an orphan.

If a wild animal exhibits any of the above signs, you should immediately call our hotline 707-526-WILD (9453).

How do you know if a baby is orphaned?

Many wildlife parents leave their young alone during the day, sometimes for long periods. The parent is usually nearby and quite conscious of her young. Also, keep in mind that despite their small size, many young animals are actually independent enough to fend for themselves. Remember, many animals who appear to be orphaned are not. Unless one or more of the signs mentioned above is present, do not attempt to rescue animals in any of the following circumstances:

  • A fawn (baby deer) who is curled up in the grass and appears approachable. The mother is most likely out of sight, but nearby and watching you.
  • A bird who is fully feathered on his body with evidence of tail feathers, hopping on the ground, but unable to fly. This is a fledgling (adolescent bird), and his parents are probably nearby.
  • A rabbit who is four inches long with open eyes and erect ears. It is independent from her mother and able to fend for herself.
  • An opossum who is nine to ten inches or longer, not including the tail. It is independent.
  • A squirrel who is nearly full sized, has a full and fluffy tail, and is able to run, jump, and climb. It is independent.

Remember we are the ultimate predator. A Mother will hide if we are near and will not come back for her babies until she feels it is safe. If you find babies and there are no clear signs the mother has been killed. Leave the babies and check on them in a day to see if she has come back for them.

If they are warm and fat a mother is most likely around and there is no reason to rescue them.

Important Steps if You Have Captured a Sick, Injured, or Orphaned Animal

If you have an animal that needs to be rescued call the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue hotline: 707-526-WILD (9453) and in the mean time...
Critical Step:

  • Never handle an adult animal without first consulting with a wildlife professional. Even small animals can injure you.
  • Do not give the animal food or water! It could choke, develop digestive problems, or drown. Many injured animals are in shock, and eating or drinking can make any existing problems worse.
  • Keep the animal warm. This is especially important in winter months. We recommend a hot water bottle or heating pad on the lowest heat setting. But make sure the animal can get off of it if desired.
  • Do not allow the animal to be disturbed. Stress from the curious can mean life or death for a sick or injured animal.

Next Steps:

  • Once you've contacted the right person, describe the animal and his physical condition as accurately as possible.

DO NOT attempt to raise baby wildlife on you own. They require special diets and need very little human contact. Although they are cute when they are young and they appear to be very sweet, they grow up to be very vicious and scared. They never loose their natural instincts!
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Minimize Stress!

All animals are easily traumatized, but especially adults. When sufficiently frightened, some animals’ brains releases certain enzymes that shuts down living functions - permanently.   DO NOT HANDLE THE ANIMALS, OR LOOK AT THEM ANY MORE THAN IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. STRESS KILLS!