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	Injured Wildlife

What to do if you have found an injured bird or animal.

You may have found a bird that has flown into a window or been injured by a cat, or an animal that has been hit by a car. These are a few of the situations when human intervention may be necessary and in the best interest of the injured wildlife. Rescue of wildlife should only be made if an animal or bird is visibly injured, weak, or sick. A good general guideline is that if you can approach and pick up a wild bird or animal, there is usually something wrong with it. If you have found a baby bird, the situation requires different instructions than an injured bird -- What to do if you discover a baby bird out of its nest.

The injured bird or animal may not realize that you are trying to help, and any rescue attempt should be aimed at preserving your own safety while minimizing stress to the already stressed wildlife. Take precautions to protect yourself by wearing heavy gloves if necessary. Capture an animal or large bird by placing a towel or blanket over it, or use an inverted laundry basket. Covering the wildlife's head and eyes with the towel or blanket used to pick it up usually reduces fear and has a calming effect. As soon as possible put the bird ot animal in a secure container, such as an escape-proof covered box or closed paper bag. Place an absorbent material such as paper towels, an old t-shirt, or a clean cloth with no holes or raveled edges on the bottom of the box or bag. This will keep the injured wildlife clean and dry, and will provide secure footing.

Put the box or bag in a quiet, dark, and warm non-drafty area, away from unfamiliar noises such as human voice, television or radio, and from unfamiliar smells as in the case of mammals. Resist the temptation to check on the injured wildlife; this will help to keep stress at a minimum. Also avoid giving anything by mouth such as food or water, because this usually results in life-threatening diarrhea or pneumonia.

You will now need assistance from someone licensed and experienced in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. If you live in New Hampshire, please call the Audubon Society of New Hampshire at 603-224-9909 during normal business hours so that we may help to put you in contact with a wildlife rehabilitator near you. If you are calling outside of our business hours, please contact Maria Colby at Wings of Dawn Bird Sanctuary in Henniker. The phone number is 603-428-3723. If you live outside of New Hampshire, please contact your local state wildlife office or conservation agency.

If a bird has hit a window, it may recover on its own with minimal assistance. If it does not fly off immediately, capture and contain the bird as instructed previously. In most cases, the bird can be released in a couple of hours. Take the container holding the bird outside before opening to determine if the bird has recovered and can fly away. If the bird is unable to fly after this period of time, it may have more serious injuries and you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

By following these steps, you have made the largest contribution you possibly can toward helping this injured wildlife obtain the best possible care, and we are grateful for your efforts! Wildlife rehabilitators do not get paid or funded by any state or federal governmental agencies. All costs of training, medical supplies, special caging and dietary needs are out of the pocket of wildlife rehabilitators themselves. Donations can help them provide quality care to injured and abandoned wildlife. Thank you for your care and concern!