Wildlife Rescue

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

If you have found an injured, orphaned, or sick animal call our hotline (707) 526-WILD. If you found a baby animal, please read "How can you tell if an animal needs rescue" (below) before calling.

Warning: Do not handle bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes or coyotes, with bare hands. These animals can carry rabies, they MUST be handled with gloves or towels!

How Can You Tell if an Animal Needs Rescue?

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

General Information about Wildlife Rescue and Release

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:

	A wild animal 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. 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.

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

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 and...

Critical Steps

	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 it worse.
	Keep the animal warm. This is especially important in winter months. We recommend a hot water bottle or heading pad on low. 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.
	To see an interesting guide "I Found a baby mammal," click here.

Next Steps

Once you've contacted the right person, describe the animal and his physical condition as accurately as possible. Unless directed otherwise, here's how you can make an animal more comfortable for transport or while you're waiting for help to arrive:

	Punch holes, from the inside out, into a cardboard box or other container. A paper bag may be suitable for most songbirds.
	Line the box with an old T-shirt or other soft cloth.
	Put on gloves.
	Use a towel or pillowcase to cover the animal, then scoop it up gently and place him in the container.
	Place the container in a warm, dark, quiet place�away from pets, children, and noise�until you can transport the animal.
	Transport the animal as soon as possible. While in the car, keep the carrier out of the sun and away from direct air conditioning or heat. Keep the car radio off and talking to a minimum.

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.

General Information about Animal Rescue and Release

How Wildlife Casualties and Injuries Usually Occur

Cooperative Efforts

Wildlife Release

How Wildlife Casualties and Injuries Usually Occur

Approximately 80% of all wildlife casualties are human related. The Wildlife Rescue volunteers are carefully trained to assess each animal emergency and situation as it arises. Hundreds of animals needing assistance are admitted to our intake and emergency care facility each year. Our wildlife care teams are dedicated to the treatment, recovery, and preparation of each animal for their eventual release back into the wild.

Specialized housing with surroundings simulating their habitat, balanced natural diets, partners for orphans, and medical attention are all necessary to meet both physical and behavioral needs of the animals under our temporary care.

Cooperative Efforts

Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue is grateful to the many generous veterinarians throughout Sonoma County who give their service to ensure the best medical and rehabilitative care possible.

SCWR works closely with animal agencies, state and county parks systems and law enforcement agencies assisting them with wildlife situations and emergencies. SCWR also works with other rehabilitation centers throughout California across the U.S. exchanging information and ideas pertaining to the many aspects of the growing field of wildlife rehabilitation.

Wildlife Release

Our goal is to release healthy and untamed wildlife back to their natural habitats where they are safe from the activities of the public and to live a life they were born to live. We are provided with release sites from members of the community who own private land and have agreed to the release of wildlife that have been in our care.

If you have private property in Sonoma County, and would like to be considered as a release site, please call our business number (listed on our main page).

Page last updated October 28, 2006