I FOUND AN ANIMAL
Before taking action, ask the following:
#1. Does this animal need my help?
#2. Is he truly injured or orphaned?
Some animals play dead, leave their young for long periods of time or otherwise appear to need assistance but might not! Click here to learn about common Florida wildlife.
#3. Yes, he needs help!
Read the following instructions on how you can best help him!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RAISE OR CARE FOR ANY WILD ANIMAL. IT IS ILLEGAL WITHOUT A PERMIT.
OPTIONS FOR HELPING WILDLIFE IN NEED:
We do not have the resources at this time to pick up injured/orphaned wildlife at their location. If you can safely transport the animal without putting your safety at risk, place it in a carrier or box and bring it to a local rehabber. If you cannot, call your local animal services agency and give them the location of the animal. Be sure to ask about their policies on wildlife.
Capture and Transport by You
Use extreme caution when handling injured or orphaned wildlife. Wear heavy duty gloves, long sleeves (and sunglasses if handling birds) and place in a secure carrier or box. If holding overnight, place in a quiet, dark and warm location in your home. Offer water in shallow dish. Do not offer food.
For Neonate Wildlife:
Young wildlife cannot go through the night without being hydrated. Keep animals warm via a heating pad on low, under half of the box or carrier. A sock filled with dry rice and microwaved for 1 minute can serve as a temporary heating pad and will last about 2 hours. Do not put any heat directly on the animal, and always allow space for them to move away from the heat if desired. Offer no food, formula or milk. Provide unflavored Pedialyte via a dropper every 2 to 4 hours. Do not use a bottle due to the risk for aspiration.
Call Animal Control for Assistance
Animal Services will pick up most injured or orphaned wild animals and deliver them to our facility. Injured animals. especially large mammals or birds of prey, are recommended to be captured and transported by Animal Services.
If you choose to call Animal Services, keep in mind that it may take a few hours or possibly longer before the animal(s) can be picked up and dropped off to a local rehabber.
To find a rehabber near you, CLICK HERE for a list of FWC Licensed Rehabilitators.