WHAT TO DO If you find an Injured or Orphaned Bird or Animal

If you find an injured bird or animal, it is VITAL to keep it in a warm, quiet, dark place.  Injured wildlife can die from shock when frightened.

1. ASSESS THE SITUATION

• Is it a baby → Go to Steps 2–4

• Is it injured → Go to Step 5

• Is it sick → Go to Step 7

2. BABY BIRD (FLEDGLING – FEATHERED)

• If feathered, it is a fledgling

• Look for parent(s)

  • If parents are nearby:

    • Place the bird in nearby cover and leave it

    • Parents will continue care

• Important: Parents will NOT abandon a baby if touched (common myth)

• DO NOT feed or give water

If no parents are found or bird seems weak:

• Place in a box with air holes + towel

• Call a wildlife rehabilitator

3. BABY BIRD (NESTLING – FUZZY OR NAKED)

• Look for the nest directly above where found
  (check areas with bird droppings)

• If possible → return to nest

If nest cannot be found:

• Place in a warm, dark, quiet box (with air holes + towel)

• Keep away from pets

• Call a wildlife rehabilitator

• DO NOT feed or give water

4. BABY MAMMAL

• Look for signs of stress:

  • Injury, hunger, dehydration, parasites

• Look for parents (live or dead nearby)

If the baby appears stressed:

• Place in a warm, dark, safe place
  (e.g., box in a closed bathroom)

• Keep away from pets

• Call a wildlife rehabilitator

• DO NOT feed or give water

5. INJURED ANIMAL

• Check for danger or predators

• If on a road or trail → move to safety if possible

• Minimize handling

If possible:

• Gently cover with a towel or box

• Call a wildlife rehabilitator immediately

6. HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

• For adult animals or raptors:

  • Use thick gloves (teeth, beaks, talons)

• For herons, egrets, bitterns:

  • Use eye protection

DO NOT HANDLE:

• Rabies vector species:

  • Skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons

7. SICK OR ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR

(Symptoms: lethargic, wobbly, disoriented)

• Contain without direct handling if possible

• Call a wildlife rehabilitator or DEC

After removal:

• Sanitize the area

• Clean or dispose of materials used
  (cardboard boxes can be discarded)

NEVER DO THE FOLLOWING

• Do NOT feed wildlife

• Do NOT give water

• Do NOT keep wildlife as pets

• Do NOT delay contacting a professional

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Ravensbeard Wildlife Rescue
📞 (845) 901-0633
Serving: Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Sullivan, Orange, Rockland Counties

New York State DEC
📞 (845) 256-3098
🌐 https://dec.ny.gov/about/contact-us/forest-ranger-rosters