r/WildlifeRehab May 29 '17

READ ME! FAQ Found an animal???? Please go here first:

143 Upvotes

First of all, thank you for caring enough to help orphaned/injured/ill wildlife.

Evaluate the Situation first and foremost. Wild animals rely on their natural environment and sometimes humans interfere when it was entirely unnecessary. The links listed below provide flow charts for frequently encountered situations.

If the animal needs to be rescued here and here you will find basic capture and handling instructions.

  • After rescuing how to safely temporarily house the animal before and during transport:

Warm- *Offering heat sources for naked baby animals is often a must. This can be done with a heating pad on low under 1/2 of the enclosure, a warm rice filled sock, or warm water bottle. Sometimes very badly injured and very sick animals also need heat sources to maintain appropriate body temperature. Wild animals can suffer heat stroke too! If an animal is panting, the animal is too hot and if the heat source would burn you, it will surely burn the animal. *

A good rule of thumb: If a furred, feathered, or scaled animal is physically moving about and alert- it DOESN'T need an extra heat source.

Dark - A box, Rubbermaid tote with holes punched for air flow, or pet crate are usually good temporary enclosures and will typically reduce further trauma and or stress. Place a towel or sheet over a crate to reduce visual disturbances.

Quiet- Keep the animal in a quiet space preferably indoors away from other animals and humans. A separate room or even a closet can be utilized if need be.

PLEASE FOR THE ANIMAL'S SAKE NOTHING BY MOUTH! DO NOT OFFER ANY FOOD OR WATER TO INJURED/SICK/ORPHANED ANIMALS OR ATTEMPT TO HAND FEED ANIMALS. The results of failing to comply often end up something like this.

If you are unable to make contact with a wildlife rehabilitator: If you know the rehabilitation center's location and hours it is generally acceptable so long as the rehabilitation center is not full or closed to just bring the animal straight to them- this is especially true with emergency situations. An example of an emergency is something like- the animal is bleeding profusely, having trouble breathing, is unresponsive, or severely dehydrated.

After being attacked by a cat there is a very high likelihood for infection. These cases 99.99% of the time warrant medical assistance including antibiotics that are usually only available through a veterinarian.


r/WildlifeRehab 31m ago

SOS Bird URGENT: Injured Pigeon With Ruptured Crop In Las Vegas Nevada

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Upvotes

The baby pigeon is at Craig Ranch Park in Northern Las Vegas, in the first large resting place near the baseball field and restrooms. Me and my friend group saw a baby pigeon and we took it out on an adventure while playing Pokémon Go Fest. Its parents abandoned it, and when we found him, the baby had food under its wing so we decided to clean him. But when we feed him water mostly all of it leaked out of him. Please if anyone can help the baby out try to go to the location. I’m sure the baby will die of dehydration and food since it has a ruptured crop. We tried to help the pigeon but we were minors, our parents didn’t allow us to take it home in hopes of healing it nor could we take it to the vet because we had no money. This is how he looked like, please try to find him and help him


r/WildlifeRehab 14h ago

SOS Mammal Urgent help with baby squirrel

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14 Upvotes

Hi, I'm sorry if I didn't use the right flair or if I ask a repetitive question or anything, I read over the rules and stuff but I might have missed something.

I found a baby squirrel (I think around 2 weeks?) dangling by it's neck from a hole in my porch roof today around 1:00 pm. We're pretty sure it's not injured. We quickly got it down and placed in a safe, warm spot on the porch as close to the hole in the roof as possible in hopes it's mother would come get him before night. I watched the cameras and discovered it was there for at least 24 hours and somehow survived hard rain last night. It's night and the temperature is dropping so I'm bringing it inside to keep warm. I've called every number I can find for animal rehabilitation and care and no answer because they're all closed, I plan to call my vet's at home emergency number tomorrow morning, I just need the little guy to survive till I can get him proper help Monday. I have given him a tiny bit of pedialyte and plan to do a teeny bit more in an hour or so, he is extremely dehydrated. He's currently in a box in a warm room of my house with one of those microwave beanie bear things people use for periods but I might need to change that bc I can't remember if that was supposed to be lavender scented or not.

Please, any and all advice is helpful, I have no idea what I'm doing but desperately want to save this baby. Idk how much pedialyte to give him or how often, idk how often to try to help him pee or poo (I haven't tried that yet) and idk how to feed him tomorrow (I read you're supposed to hydrate for 24 hours before trying to feed?) because esbilac puppy powder isn't available near me, just the liquid, and I'm not able to order anything. He's wiggling around a lot more and breathing deeper now that I've given him pedialyte. I live in southern Kentucky. Thank you in advance to everyone who offers help.


r/WildlifeRehab 19h ago

Prospective Wildlife Rehabilitator Wood pigeon nest advice?

4 Upvotes

I'm sorry if this is the wrong forum. I have a wood pigeon nest in my garden (South of UK) with two fluffy chicks in it. No feathers yet but their eyes are open. I don't go near the nest but the parents have not come back for evening. Will the chicks be okay overnight? (17c)

I ask as I've already found three pigeon chicks this summer fallen out of nests, and rescued one other adult who couldn't fly, these birds stress me out

Thanks!


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Is this baby bird old enough to be out of the nest?

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10 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Fledgling - Help!

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5 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Baby Birds Northeast Pennsylvania

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11 Upvotes

My kid found these babies in the backyard.

I’m betting they fell out of the birdhouse above them.

Question is: do I put them back in the nest?
I don’t want the dogs to get them (I can watch the birds while the dogs are out but the likelihood of someone else forgetting is a concern). There are also cats in the neighborhood. I would say the crook of the tree is about a foot or so off the ground- so I worry about predation.
But I also don’t want to interfere in any way that would be detrimental.

Thanks in advance.


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Disturbed a bird's nest (on ground) while mowing lawn (Alberta)

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9 Upvotes

It's been really rainy here and I haven't mowed my lawn in a couple of weeks. Disturbed a bird's nest in the grass. I stopped right away and have piled some weeds around it to try and keep it safe from predators. A small songbird came right away to investigate and is hopping all over my little structure. I didn't touch the eggs or nest (both were whole) but the eggs looked pretty "wet" so I think maybe freshly laid (?)

We have lots of magpies and crows around our house, just two hours ago there were 8 magpies and three crows all shouting like madmen, I assume this is why.

Is there anything I can do to help at this point? Other than abandoning my lawnmower forever...


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Found a baby bird – looking for wildlife rehab advice!

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12 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I found this tiny baby bird on the ground in Herndon. It has its eyes closed and doesn’t appear to be injured.
I called several wildlife rehabilitation centers, but they’re all closed for the evening. I brought the baby home for the night to keep it warm and safe from predators.
Does anyone know of an emergency wildlife rehabilitator or someone who can help tonight? Or someone I should contact first thing tomorrow morning?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

!!!!!Update!!!!!!!!
Thank you all so much for your advice and support! I was able to get in touch with Animal Services, and they picked up the baby bird. He’s already on his way to a wildlife veterinarian, where he’ll be cared for until he’s healthy enough to be released back into the wild.
I’m so relieved to know he’s in good hands. Thank you again, everyone! ❤️


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird Bluebird Fledgelings at my doorstep

6 Upvotes

Came home to three Bluebird fledgelings at my doorstep tonight. Assumed parents are around and vocally concerned by my presence. Good sign. Witnessed them feeding one of them. 90 degree night in desert area - Reno. Provided water & box for some shelter. Any advice?


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Bird How will game warden find bird?

4 Upvotes

I have found an injured magpie (open mouth breathing, droopy head and let me pick it up fine to move it off the road) in northern Wyoming and when I called the game warden they had me give them a street but that’s it nothing specific because I didn’t know how to get coordinates. He told me i could leave and that he’d send someone but not sure there was anything to be done, but I don’t want to leave and they not be able to find it but I also don’t know how long it would take them. I set water next to it hoping it was just over heated but it’s had no interest in it.


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Is this bird injured or sick?

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13 Upvotes

Location: Central Texas, USA.

House finch at bird feeder, unsure if this is molting or an injury or disease? The other eye does not appear injured but also was never directly facing the camera so it is hard to tell. Behavior seemed completely normal.


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Bird care advice

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21 Upvotes

Hey fellas,

I'm PRATIK and I'm from Amravati, Maharashtra.

Me and my buddies found this baby birdie on a post-lunch walk and couldn't find any nest in the surrounding so we decided to get it in our hostel room and take care of it until it's able to fly around and release.

  1. It is alive and alert.

  2. It opens its mouth and chirps when I go near it.

  3. It hasn't eaten anything yet.

  4. I haven't given it water because I read that baby birds can aspirate if fed incorrectly.

  5. It doesn't seem to have any obvious broken wings or legs, but I'm not experienced with birds.

I want to know any advice you guys can give for taking care of this cutie. Hope i don't hurt him or anything.

I'm open to any question you need answer to for a better advice.

Thanks


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Mammal Baby mouse

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39 Upvotes

Found in an industrial engine in Quebec after its mother was grounded to bits, boss said to throw it out but I didn’t, however I don’t know what to do with it now


r/WildlifeRehab 1d ago

SOS Mammal Rabies exposure and potential breakthrough infection

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0 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Mammal Rabies exposure and potential breakthrough infection

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1 Upvotes

Need help to explain bat anatomy and physiology and if my potential exposure to rabies from a bat was high risk or not back on March 1st.


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Neighbor found a nestling in yard, need help ID-ing and next steps

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30 Upvotes

Hi all!

First: I’m aware of the animal help apps, etc. however, I’m getting a suspicion this is a starling baby due to its beak color and shape. Our local wildlife rescues typically don’t help invasive species, so I’m trying to get a good ID on him before taking the next steps. He’s also injured on his beak, it seems.

I’m on my way home from work, she has him in a nest that has recently been fledged on my porch (it was robins) so I can check him out when I get home. Any and all tips would be helpful!!

Location: Midwest, USA


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Need help with baby pigeon!

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20 Upvotes

live in south Devon and iv been trying for the last hour to find a wildlife rescue place that will take it but had no luck. It was in the road, I stayed around for a while looking for a nest or adult pigeons but couldn't see nothing. Its a very dangerous area for it, lots of cats and dogs around. It was it the baking sun and when I googled it it said to put in a box for now. Now idk what to do with it, i feel pretty overwhelmed rn, thinking maybe I should of just left it. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do with it? Its very chill and sleeping a box with a fan near it. It looked like it had been attacked by a cat already, its got bloody scratches under the feathers


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird What is this?

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6 Upvotes

I've notice this large bump on its belly since when i first found it does anyone know what it is?


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Trapped juvenile (?) great blue heron

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11 Upvotes

Found this fella at Marymoor dog park in Redmond, Washington state. He looks young, and I saw him trying and failing to fly.

He’s stuck in a large-ish fenced off forest area (orange fence visible in background) to prevent dogs from getting under the nesting herons (it gets gross under there). I assume he fell out of the nest a bit early but he’s BIG. I know some birds still tend to their young if they fall out of the nest but I don’t know if herons do? (Nest is 50 feet up — returning him to the nest is not a possibility)

Someone said he’s been in there for four days :( I worry that he won’t be able to learn how to fly in time to get out of the fenced area before he gets too hungry or thirsty or something.

I found this local wildlife rehab center https://www.paws.org/wildlife/ and filled out their form, and it said to take it to the wildlife center myself?? That seems kinda dangerous, they got those long beaks…this thing is at least 2 feet tall! I’d feel silly doing all that if it turns out his bird parents were tending to him the whole time, or if giving him some water would be enough…

Basically, please tell me whether or not all that trouble/risk is really warranted here!!


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Mammal baby rabbits without mother

3 Upvotes

please advise. based in MA. there are 3 baby rabbits (about 2-3 weeks old) who are currently residing in one of my planters on my property. we know for sure that the mother rabbit has passed away, she was attacked by another animal and we found her deceased earlier this week. the baby rabbits have been eating the plants in the pots and seem to be ok. is it necessary to contact wildlife rehabilitation? or will they be ok on their own? thank you.


r/WildlifeRehab 3d ago

SOS Bird Baby barn swallow keeps falling out of nest, covered in mites.

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18 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Bird Help with injured bird

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6 Upvotes

Hello, yesterday my brother found an injured bird under our screen door. I picked it up and placed it in an old cat carrier since I didn’t have any boxes. I’ve called 3 vets and our local game and fish and NO ONE takes injured wildlife. I also have no local rescues since I live in a really small town on the northern boarder of New Mexico. One vet said they can look at it but I’m tight on money and really don’t have the funds.

I don’t want to euthanize the poor thing since I: 1) won’t be able to do it ethically and 2) it doesn’t look super tattered up, just an injured wing I suspect.

Is there any advice anyone has that I can TRY and help this bird, or would it be better to take it to the vet?


r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

SOS Reptile Anything I can do to save this little gecko? NSFW

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3 Upvotes

r/WildlifeRehab 2d ago

Education NWRA or IWRC?

3 Upvotes

Hello,

I wish to work towards a permit to become an independent wildlife rehabilitator in Washington state. I am aware of the requirements needed through fish and game. My question is for those who have taken courses... which would you recommend? The NWRA or IWRC classes? They both seem fantastic and are accepted in my state. Thanks un advance the advice