What to Do for an Injured Wild Animal

If you should come upon an injured wild animal, take extra caution; wild animals are typically fearful of humans and will try to escape. This can cause injury to yourself as well as additional injury to the animal.

Approaching a Wild Animal

Approach slowly and talk soothingly. Try to assess the situation and determine the extent of the injuries. Be aware that rabies is always a threat and wild animals, particularly skunks, foxes and raccoons, have a high incidence of the virus. You may think a wild animal is injured when it could be in the final and contagious stages of rabies.

Capturing Injured Wildlife

It is best not to restrain a wild animal. Capture by placing in a box or carrier is a good idea. For those animals too large for a box or carrier, cover with a blanket or towel and reduce some fear by keeping the animal in a darkened environment.

Contact an area wildlife rehabilitation or rescue organization, conservation department, veterinary hospital, animal shelter or police officer for assistance in capturing and transporting injured wildlife.

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