Okanogan Wildlife League

WARNING!!!

 

Wild animals may bite, scratch, wiggle, urinate, deficate, or otherwise just be difficult to handle!  Please do not handle a wild animal if not necessary, or if you are not comfortable.  For immediate assistance, call or text (509) 560-3828.

 

If you have already contained the animal safely, please refrain from offering food or water until you have spoken with us.  Doing so at the improper time with the incorrect ingredients may be detrimental to the animal's well-being.  Again, call or text the number above.

 

Baby Bird                             Baby Mammal

 

How to safely contain a wild animal

 

1. Find a suitable container (cardboard box, pet carrier). Poke air holes in it, if needed. Line it with a clean, soft cloth.

 

2. Gently pick up the animal (wear leather gloves) and place in the container.  Often, using a towel or blanket to cover the animal greatly helps.  In the case of raptors (birds of prey - hawks, eagles, owls), be aware of where their talons and feet are at all times.

 

3. Place the container on a heating pad on the lowest setting. If a heating pad is not available, use a hot water bottle or a plastic soda bottle filled with hot water wrapped in a towel. Place it inside the container, next to the animal for warmth.  If it is has been hot out, keep the animal somewhere cool if hyperthermia is a potential cause.

 

4. Secure the container so the animal cannot crawl or jump out.

 

5. Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place.  Do not give the animal food or water. Leave the animal alone.  Keep the animal away from children, pets, loud and busy areas.  Stress can kill an animal.

 

6. Take the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.

 

 

How to make a surrogate nest

 

1. Find a container such as a small box (Kleenex box, butter dish, etc.).

 

2. Fill the box with leaves, paper towels or a clean, soft cloth.

 

3. Place the nest in the tree or bush closest to where the animal was found, out of the sun and rain, as high up as you can safely manage.  You can secure with a bungee cord, rope, tape, etc.

 

4. Place the animal(s) in the nest (wear gloves) and leave the area.  Watch for 2-4 hours to ensure that the parents visit or return to the nest.