Only veterinarians and licensed wildlife rehabilitators can treat sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.   Consult with rehabbers and wildlife hospitals for guidance.

Blue Ridge Wildlife Hospital in Boyce and The Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro have veterinarians on staff and someone to answer questions during business hours. Home rehabbers care for wildlife in their own homes while managing family, pets, school, and work.

Call at least three numbers.  LEAVE MESSAGES. Hospitals are busy answering calls and caring for wildlife. You will be asked basic questions and given instructions on how to proceed. You may be advised to contain the animal or try reuniting a baby with parents.  In all cases, human safety is priority.

“Contain” means placing the animal in a suitable container in a dark, quiet place. Take a quick photo for ID and body condition if you can easily and safely get one. Avoid holding, stroking and talking to the animal. If the animal is wet, cold, or hairless, heat can be provided in the form of a rice sock heated in the microwave, or a heating pad on low under half of the container.  Animals should have space to move away from the heat source. DO NOT OFFER FOOD OR WATER unless you’re given explicit instructions to do so. Giving food or water to an animal in distress can do more harm than good.  If you cannot contain the animal, you may be asked to keep an eye on it until help arrives.