What New York Residents Should Do If They Find Distressed Wildlife

Updated

If you find a wild animal that appears injured, orphaned, or trapped, the safest course for both you and the animal is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before touching or moving it. In New York, the NY State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Inc. (NYSWRC) exists in part to connect the public with the rehabilitators who are legally authorized to care for distressed wildlife, and it publishes educational material for state residents on exactly this situation. The steps below apply to anyone in New York who encounters wildlife that seems to need help.

Why You Should Not Handle Wildlife Yourself

Wild animals that are sick, injured, or frightened can bite, scratch, or otherwise injure a well-meaning rescuer, and some conditions that affect wildlife can also affect humans. Handling an animal without guidance can also make its injuries worse or separate it from a parent that is still caring for it. NYSWRC's stated work includes "disseminating educational material and information to NY state residents about distressed wildlife," which reflects the organization's position that the public should seek informed help rather than improvise.

Not every animal that looks abandoned is actually in trouble. Many young animals are left alone by parents that are foraging nearby, and the correct action is often to leave the animal where it is and observe from a distance. A licensed rehabilitator can tell you whether intervention is needed.

Who Is Authorized to Care for Distressed Wildlife

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are the people legally permitted to take in and treat distressed wildlife in New York. According to NYSWRC, its members consist of "licensed wildlife rehabilitators and assistants, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and other interested lay persons." The organization describes its work as:

  • Promoting the professionalism of licensed wildlife rehabilitators
  • Giving rehabilitators the field support and educational services they need to appropriately care for distressed wildlife
  • Providing rehabilitators with timely access to the latest technical information through a network support system
  • Working with governmental agencies to formulate regulations concerning wildlife

For a resident who has found an animal, the practical takeaway is that rehabilitators, not the general public, are the appropriate first point of contact for hands-on care.

What to Do When You Find Distressed Wildlife

  1. Keep your distance and keep others away. Prevent pets and children from approaching the animal.
  2. Note the location and situation. Where did you find it, and what appears wrong (visible injury, trapped in a structure, alone as a young animal)?
  3. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area before intervening. NYSWRC's site is a starting point for learning about rehabilitators and their role; your regional rehabilitator or the state wildlife agency can direct you to someone licensed for that species.
  4. Follow the rehabilitator's instructions. If they advise you to contain the animal, they will tell you how. If they advise leaving it alone, do so.
  5. Do not attempt to feed, medicate, or keep the animal. Care decisions belong with the licensed rehabilitator.

If You Want to Do More

NYSWRC welcomes participation beyond one-time rescue situations. Its membership is open to licensed rehabilitators and assistants, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and interested lay persons, and the organization also promotes "the conservation of wildlife, their habitats, and other natural resources." Residents who want to support the network that handles distressed wildlife can look into membership or the organization's educational materials.

The core answer remains simple: when you find distressed wildlife in New York, contact a licensed rehabilitator first, and let their guidance determine what happens next.