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Always ask an Adult that you know to help rescue any bird or mammal. Before rescuing check out our information about when and if you should remove the wildlife from it’s natural, wild area.
Remember! Many times our young wildlife may appear to be orphaned but they are really just learning how to find food on their own, how to stay safe from predators and experiencing how to find and even drink water and, for birds of course, how to fly.
Just as our parents give us freedoms as we mature and learn important skills about life, wildlife parents are watching over their young even though you may not see them. The parents are giving them time to grow and learn these critical skills so they will be experienced and fit. This time is important if they are to live a long, healthy and safe life in their wild world.
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Information for Adults |
Never attempt a rescue if you do not feel safe to do so! |
- Container for transport. Place a clean cloth with no loops or loose strings on the bottom of a cardboard box or pet carrier. Never use wire cages! Place holes on two opposite sides of the box (upper and lower) for air circulation. For smaller birds, a paper bag is acceptable for transport.
- Protecting you. If available, wear gloves or use a towel. Some birds (out of fear and an attempt to protect themselves) can be dangerous. Wear welding gloves for birds of prey that have strong feet and sharp talons. Many water birds such as grebes, loons or herons, have sharp beaks and will aim for your eyes. Even when sick, this is a natural and understandable response to danger, so wear protective glasses. Birds also may have parasites such as ticks or lice, etc. and may carry disease.
- Before picking up the bird, be sure to look for any obvious injuries. This will help you to be careful to not further injure the bird when handling it.
- Cover the bird’s head with a lightweight cloth such as a pillowcase. What they can’t see won’t frighten them.
- Until you can get the bird to a rehabilitator or qualified wildlife veterinarian you may need to provide heat to a cold or young bird. Place the bird’s container half on and half off a heating pad. If you do not have a heating pad on hand you can put hot water in a large soft drink bottle (be sure the lid is on tight) to make a temporary hot water bottle. Place a cloth between the source of heat and the bird.
- If the bird is an adult and able to stand, or if it’s a chick that can walk on its own (such as a quail, killdeer or a duckling) you may place a very shallow container of water.
- Don’t place food or water in the mouth!
- Leave the bird alone. Don’t handle the bird or let it see children or pets.
- A wild bird that appears to be tame is probably very sick and/or in shock. Shock is life threatening!
- Just as with humans, remember heat kills. Keep the container in the shade with plenty of holes for circulation and don’t leave it in a vehicle, garage, etc. during the warm months of the year.
- Wash your hands after handling the bird. Remember to wash all other materials that have come in contact with the bird including pet carriers, etc.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible for further instructions.
- Be sure to note where you found the wildlife and any circumstances and injuries noticed or any care given.
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