What To Do If You Find A Wild Animal In Need
What should you do when you find an animal in need of help?
As we move into April in Massachusetts, the weather warms up, and the days grow longer. spring is here and with it the renewed growth of green and the pitter-patter of tiny paws. As the animals that call our state home begin to emerge from their winter slumber, wildlife baby season begins in full swing. With this large increase in the wildlife you may encounter, a big question comes with it. What should you do when you find an animal in need of help?
What Should You Do When You Find An Animal In Need Of Help?
It is important to know the proper steps to take when you come across an animal in need so you do not make things worse. Since it is illegal to rehabilitate wildlife in Massachusetts without a permit, the first and most important thing you should do is contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or wildlife rehabilitator.
These links can be used to help find a local rehabilitator:
Additionally, it is equally important to know the proper way to safely transfer an injured animal to a wildlife rehabilitator or center. The Wildlife Rehabilitators' Association of Massachusetts has put together a list of Dos and Don'ts for when helping an animal in need.
When Helping An Animal In Need
DO This:
Wear gloves for Rabies Vector Species
Put the animal in a dark bin
Put them in a quiet room to reduce stress
If it's a baby animal, provide heat. If possible, use a heating pad set on low. Wrap them up in a fleece blanket
Note where you found the animal
Call a wildlife rehabilitator immediately
DON'T Do This:
DO NOT FEED!
DO NOT offer water
DO NOT CUDDLE
DO NOT let your kids play with the animal
DO NOT offer medications
DO NOT play loud music or talk loudly around the animal