Finding an Injured or Orphaned Animal

BEFORE you take ANY action, you need to determine if the animal is, in fact, injured or abandoned. Well-meaning humans often interfere in wildlife situations that would have turned out better if left alone. (Mother Nature usually knows what she's doing.) A fledgling bird can easily be mistaken for a hurt or stranded baby. An opossum who is merely "playing 'possum" until the coast is clear can look like an animal at death's door. Finding a nest of baby bunnies is alarming, until you realize Mom has to go out for dinner once in a while and will return when she's done foraging. Animals fledge and go out on their own at different rates. Some animals may look like babies to you, but in their minds they are ready for their chance in the world!  

When you THINK you have discovered an animal in need of help, you can go to ahnow.org where you are able to find contact information and find a list of wildlife rehabilitation facilities near you based on your zip code (anywhere in the continental U.S.).  Or contact one of the other listed entities.  They can tell you if intervention is indeed required. The links below are resources for getting in touch with wildlife rehabilitation centers in the St. Louis Metro area, should you end up needing one. You can also call them to inquire about an animal. All of these facilities can give you information regarding the status of the animal you have found.  

If, after consulting with one of these agencies, you still need assistance, we may be able to help. (For instance, if you are instructed to bring the animal to one of their facilities and do not feel comfortable handling this on your own, we can assist.) There may be other ways we can help in these situations. Simply give us a call, and we'll see what we can do. (A fee for travel and/or services may be incurred.)

No endorsement of specific brands, any product line, or any individual product, or company, or entity
by Humane Wildlife Solutions is implied or intended by inclusion here.

(These sites are provided here to offer additional resources for issues regarding wildlife and rehabilitation.)

Animal Help Now - Emergency Resource (ahnow.org)