What to do if you find injured or orphaned wildlife

It’s that time of year again, when the weather cools off and wild animals start to make themselves easier to spot. Whether it is a sandhill crane who may have been hit by a car, or a little brown bat that decided to hibernate right by your front door, or any injured or seemingly displaced wild animal, here’s some tips on what to do if you find yourself in that position.

When finding a baby animal, it is generally best to leave it alone. Often the animal is not orphaned, and the parent may be out getting food for the animal, or watching the baby from a distance. Never pick up baby animals and remove them from their natural environment!

When encountering injured wildlife, please contact the appropriate FWC-licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. A list of wildlife rehabilitators by county can be accessed here: Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators.

You can also contact the FWC’s Captive Wildlife Unit at (850) 488-6253, or the appropriate Regional Office for local wildlife rehabilitator contact information.

If the animal is a domestic or feral animal, such as a dog, cat, or horse, please contact the nearest Humane Society, Animal Services Office, or Animal Control Agency.

Additional information about reporting injured manatees or sea turtles.

• Wildlife Rehabilitators by Region
• SPCA Tampa Bay Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
• Wildlife Assistance/Nuisance Wildlife