What to do if you find an injured or orphaned animal

Part of the charm of the Emerald Coast area is the abundance of wildlife that is found here. You can often see rabbits, birds, squirrels, or even deer in your own backyard, especially during the spring and summer when many animals are born. Sometimes you may find an adult animal that is hurt or a baby animal that is orphaned. If you find an animal in need of help, follow these steps to ensure the safety of both the animal and you. Remember, injured animals are usually scared and they may bite or scratch out of fear. ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHENEVER DEALING WITH WILD ANIMALS.

1. Determine if the animal is in need of help. Sometimes animals behave in ways that make us think they are hurt when they are actually perfectly healthy. Some signs that the animal does need help include bleeding, a broken limb, shivering, or being brought to you by a cat or dog. Also, remember that not every baby animal you find is orphaned. Many times parents will leave the babies alone while they go find food. Shivering, vomiting, injuries, or evidence of a dead parent nearby are signs that the baby is an orphan.

2. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. ECWR representatives have experience in dealing with all of the local species, and they will give you more specific instructions on how to help the animal. Describe the animal, its physical condition, and location to the representative so that they can give you the best instructions. If you cannot reach an ECWR representative, other groups to contact include the local humane society, the state or federal wildlife agencies, or even a local veterinarian.

3. Unless told otherwise, the safest way to capture and transport the animal is by gently covering it with a pillowcase or towel and placing it in cardboard box lined with a towel. ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES WHEN DEALING WITH WILD ANIMALS. Punch some air holes in the box first, and then line the bottom with a soft towel or cloth. While wearing gloves, use another towel to cover the animal and gently scoop it up and place it in the box. Tape the box shut and put the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place until you can get the animal to the wildlife rehabilitator.

4. Keep children and pets away from the animal and don’t give it food or water. Injured and orphaned animals are scared and may be in shock, and food or water may cause them to choke.

5. After contact with an animal, wash your hands and anything else the animal contacted, such as towels or a pet carrier.

6. Get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as you can. Prompt care and treatment by a professional will give the animal the best chance of healing properly.

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, NEVER HANDLE AN ANIMAL BEFORE CONSULTING WITH A WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR.