Young animals may seem helpless, but oftentimes they are neither abandoned nor orphaned and don’t require assistance. Animals taken out of the wild by well-intentioned people are often subjected to more stress and have a decreased chance of survival and ever having a normal life.

If you are sure you've found orphaned or injured wildlife, and it is safe to do so, wear gloves when handling animals and avoid handling as much as possible. Do not offer food or water as this can harm or kill them.

Instead, keep the animal warm, dark and quiet (WDQ). Make a box comfortable with air holes and use fleece. Don't use not terry cloth as animal claws can get caught in a terry cloth towel. Do not be tempted to show the animal to kids as such a simple thing can significantly stress the animal. WDQ is the best for the animal.

Rehabbers are volunteers and many may not be able to respond quickly. If you are not hearing back, visit the mass.gov website, search the map, and call other local rehabbers for the animals that you have found.

 

If you find a bird, rodent, fox, coyote, or other animal that is behaving in an unusual way and you suspect that they may be sick, do not touch it or try to help - you could make things worse! 

 

If you find a bat that is injured, please do NOT handle it with bare hands.