What Do I Do If...?

• A small bird is flapping on the ground and seems unable to fly

• I find an orphaned or injured Opossum

• I find an injured deer - If you find an injured adult (no spots) deer, do NOT attempt to assist it yourself.  Deer have very powerful legs that can cause sever injury when kicking.  Contact your local authorities for assistance.  If the deer is a tiny fawn (small and speckled) and you have a wildlife rehabilitator in your area that can accept deer, call them and follow their instructions.
• I find an injured animal - First, remember that the animal does not know you are trying to help and will be frightened.  Being careful to protect yourself from scratching and biting by wearing heavy gloves or using a heavy towel, coax or place the animal in a box or other secure container and call your local rehabilitation center for transportation instructions.  If you cannot transport immediately, keep the animal warm and quiet in a dark place to minimize stress on the animal until you are able to transport.  Do NOT attempt to feed the animal.
  If the animal is cold: If you have a hot water bottle or or can make one from a soda bottle or such, wrap it in a towel and place it in the box with the animal or put a heating pad set on low,  underneath (not in) the box. 

Fledgling or Injured?

Most fledgling songbirds, just out of the nest, spend 3-5 days on the ground unable to fly while developing wing muscle strength and feeding skills.  Watchful parents are usually nearby.

Observe the bird.  Does it have all of its feathers?  Are its eyes open and alert? Can it support itself standing ok?  Do you see or hear an adult near by?  Then it is probably a fledgling.  Leave it alone.

Do both sides look the same?  (ie. is one wing dragging on the ground?)  Does it fall over or appear otherwise injured?  Pick it up with a cloth and place it in a secure box and call your local rehabilitation clinic for further instructions.

OPOSSUMS

What to do if you find an orphaned or injured   Opossum

  If orphaned:

Is it really a baby? If the opossum is at least 6 or 7 inches from nose to rump (not including tail) then he or she is a juvenile and is old enough to be on his own. You may want to help him out by keeping your pets inside until he moves on.

If he's smaller than 6 inches, put him in a cardboard box lined with a soft towel and a "pouch" he can climb into. Old socks and cut-off sweatshirt arms or sweatpant legs make good pouches.

Place the box in a warm, quiet area. If you have a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on low, place it underneath (not in) the box. The temperature in the box should be 90-95 degrees.

DO NOT FEED THE BABY! Cow's milk is very harmful to baby opossums; they need a formula substitute similar to their mother's milk. In addition, the baby will first need to be rehydrated before he can be fed. Rehydrating fluids include Pedialyte, unflavored sports drinks such as Gatorade, and Lactated Ringer's solution. You can use a syringe or eye dropper to slowly put drop by drop at the end of baby's mouth for him to lick up. Do not force fluids into the baby's mouth.

Immediately contact a wildlife center in your area; they will be able to provide proper care and food for the baby. You can follow his progress and know that, because you cared enough to help, he'll soon be grown and out on his own!

If injured:
  Your safety comes first! Don't touch the animal without heavy gloves or a towel for protection. Remember, a hurt animal may bite...

Contact a wildlife center or Emergency Animal Clinic in your area for assistance. Be sure to ask the clinic first if you will be responsible for any charges.
 

©2002  The Schuylkill Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic 
Website by:  Chris Mills
Photography by: C.Mills & SWRC Volunteers
Page last revised:  9/2/02