When you contact Ravensbeard Wildlife Center (914-FLY-HIGH) about an injured or orphaned wild animal, you may be asked to leave a detailed message. The more complete the information you can provide, the faster we can assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Your Location
The first thing we need to know is where you—and the animal—are located.
Please let us know:
- Is the animal currently in your possession, or does it still need to be captured?
- If it is not in your possession, will it need to be relocated before help arrives?
- If there is no street address, can you provide directions, landmarks, or GPS coordinates? In some cases, we may ask you to meet us at the location.
Because Ravensbeard is based in Saugerties, we must consider both the urgency of the situation and the travel distance involved.
If possible, please let us know whether you are able to transport the animal to our facility or if assistance with transport is needed.
Type of Animal
Please tell us as much as you can about the animal:
- What species is it?
- Is it an adult or a baby?
- Approximately how large is it?
- If there is more than one animal, how many are there?
- Are siblings, parents, or predators nearby?
For baby birds, it is especially helpful to know:
- Are its eyes open?
- Is it fully feathered?
Whenever possible, send us a clear photo or short video. Images often help us identify the species, determine its age, and assess its condition before we arrive.
Current Condition
Describe the animal's condition as accurately as you can.
For example:
- Is it conscious and alert?
- Is there any visible injury or bleeding?
- Can it stand, walk, or fly?
- Is it behaving unusually or showing signs of illness?
- Does it appear weak, disoriented, or unresponsive?
- Are flies gathering around it?
Photos or videos are extremely helpful and can significantly improve our ability to assess the situation.
Brief History
Please tell us:
- When was the animal first found?
- How long has it been in its current condition?
- Do you know what may have happened to it?
Human Interaction
Has anyone handled or interacted with the animal?
If so, please describe what occurred. For example:
- Was the animal picked up or moved?
- Was it fed or given water?
- Was it kept in a box or container?
- Has it been around pets or other people?
These details can affect both the animal's care and our recommendations.
How We Use This Information
Every situation is unique. The information you provide helps us determine whether Ravensbeard can assist directly or whether another licensed wildlife rehabilitator or organization would be better equipped to help.
Depending on the species involved, your location, and the distance from our facility, we may recommend a licensed rehabilitator closer to you.
Please note that Ravensbeard is licensed to accept wildlife only from New York State. If the animal is located in another state, we will ask you to contact a licensed rehabilitator in that state. A helpful resource for finding wildlife rehabilitators is Animal Help Now (AHNow.org).
We understand that finding an animal in distress can be upsetting. Thank you for taking the time to gather this information and for caring enough to seek help. Your observations allow us to respond more quickly and give each animal the best possible chance for recovery.