HEALTHY BABIES: Follow this simple rule when you observe young wild animals that do not appear weak, hurt or sick. LEAVE HEALTHY YOUNG WILD ANIMALS ALONE AND KEEP OTHER HUMANS AND PETS AWAY FROM THEM! It may be difficult to do, but this is truly a humane act. If you have already touched it, don't worry, mom will come back.

If you have already taken it home, is there a chance you can get it back to it's den or nest? If you are unsure, call your local Wildlife Rehabilitator.

SICK OR INJURED BABIES: Call your local wildlife rehabilitator and transport ASAP. If you must keep the animal for a short length of time, place the animal in a box with air holes small enough to prevent it's escape and keep the animal warm (a heating pad set on LOW). You can give the animal gatorade or pedialyte with an eye dropper, but do not feed. Do not leave a water dish with the animal.

ADULT MAMMALS: Never pick up an adult mammal with your hands, even if you have gloves. Some animals can bite through even the thickest welder gloves and any mammal can carry and transmit rabies. Place a container over the animal (box, garbage can etc) and slide a board under, trapping the animal inside. Call your local wildlife rehabilitator and transport ASAP. Keep the animal in a dark warm environment until transport. Do not baby or comfort the animal. Stress can KILL!!!

ADULT BIRDS: Raptors (Hawks and Owls) attack with their feet. Herons and other types of fishing birds have deadly aim with their beaks and will attack your eyes.

SOOOOOOOOOOO PROTECT YOURSELF!!!  Wear thick leather gloves and drop a towel over the bird, and place in a box filled with shredded paper.  Call your local wildlife rehabilitator and transport ASAP. Keep the animal in a dark warm environment until transport. Do not baby or comfort the animal. Stress can KILL!!!