What to Do (and Not Do) If You Find Orphaned or Injured Wildlife 🦝🆘

By Dr Duncan Houston

⚡ Quick Answer

Most “orphaned” wildlife does not need rescuing.

In many cases, the parent is nearby and the animal is behaving normally.

Only intervene if the animal is clearly injured, cold, weak, or the parent is confirmed dead, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.

🧠 Why You’re Seeing More Wildlife

Wildlife encounters are becoming more common.

As urban areas expand, people are living closer to natural habitats.

This leads to more situations where people find:

• baby birds on the ground

• fawns alone in grass

• young mammals hidden in gardens or yards

These situations can look concerning, but they are often completely normal.

🐾 Most “Orphaned” Animals Are Not Orphaned

Wild animals raise their young differently from pets.

For example:

• deer leave fawns hidden while they feed

• birds do not stay constantly at the nest

• nocturnal animals are often absent during the day

The young animal may appear alone, but the parent is usually nearby.

Intervening too early can separate them permanently.

🚫 Why You Should Not Raise Wildlife Yourself

Trying to care for wild animals at home almost always causes more harm than good.

Wild animals need:

• specialised diets

• controlled environments

• minimal human interaction

• species-specific care

Without this, they often:

• develop health problems

• fail to thrive

• become unable to survive in the wild

In many places, it is also illegal to keep wildlife without a licence.

🦠 Risks to Human Health

Wild animals can carry diseases even when they look healthy.

Risks include:

• bites and scratches

• parasites like fleas and ticks

• bacterial infections

• diseases such as rabies in certain species

Handling wildlife without protection is not safe.

🚩 When You Should Step In

Intervention is appropriate if:

• the animal is visibly injured

• it is cold, weak, or unresponsive

• there are signs of attack or trauma

• the parent is confirmed dead

• the animal is in immediate danger

If none of these apply, it is usually best to observe from a distance.

📞 What To Do Instead

The best first step is to contact a professional.

This can include:

• a wildlife rehabilitator

• a veterinarian

• local animal control or wildlife authorities

They can guide you on whether intervention is needed.

🧤 If You Must Help Immediately

If there is no immediate access to help and the animal is at risk:

• wear gloves

• handle as little as possible

• place the animal in a ventilated box

• keep it warm, dark, and quiet

• avoid feeding or giving water

Then seek professional help as soon as possible.

🐦 Special Case: Baby Birds

Baby birds are often mistaken for being abandoned.

If a young bird is:

• feathered

• hopping or fluttering

it may be a fledgling learning to fly.

In these cases:

• leave it alone

• keep pets away

• monitor from a distance

If it is truly very young and unfeathered, it may be returned to the nest if safe to do so.

📜 Why Wildlife Rehabilitators Matter

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to:

• provide proper medical care

• feed appropriate diets

• reduce stress and human contact

• prepare animals for release

They give wildlife the best chance of survival.

🐾 Final Thoughts

The instinct to help wildlife is a good one.

But the right help is not always immediate intervention.

Often, the best thing you can do is:

• observe

• avoid interference

• contact the right people

Helping wildlife means keeping it wild.

❓ FAQ

How do I know if an animal is truly abandoned?

If it looks healthy and is quiet, it is likely not abandoned. Parents are often nearby.

Can I take wildlife home just for a night?

No. Even short-term care can cause stress and reduce survival chances.

Is it safe to touch wild animals?

No. There are risks of injury and disease.

What should I do if I get bitten?

Seek medical advice immediately and report the incident.

Are all baby animals in danger?

No. Many are in completely normal situations.

📲 A Smarter Way to Know When to Act

If you are unsure whether a wild animal needs help or what the safest next step is, ASK A VET™ can help you make a clear decision quickly so you do the right thing without causing harm.