There are steps you should take if you find orphaned or injured wildlife.
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What many people perceive as young animals left alone by adults to fend for themselves may in reality not be a case of orphaned wildlife. Many animals and birds do not stay with their young and return only to feed them. Before picking up or removing an animal to another location, first determine if the animal is actually orphaned. If a young bird has fallen from a nest, it can be gently replaced. Remove any threat to the animal by relocating pets and children indoors. Move to a location which will allow you to observe the animal while not posing a threat to it or to adults returning to feed or relocate their young. If after observing the animal for an appropriate period and determining that an animal or bird is actually orphaned, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area can be contacted to possibly take the animal. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators provide care for an animal to a point in which it can be released back into its natural environment. Bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks cannot be rehabilitated due to the possibility of rabies and should be left to survive on their own. Even orphaned suckling animals of these species have been known to transmit rabies.

Locate a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in your area if you require assistance. You may also contact your local veterinarian for the name of a rehabilitator in the area, or to ask if they would be willing to help. You can also call the Nongame Wildlife Office at (919) 707-0060 or Wildlife Enforcement Communications (919) 707-0040 to obtain the name and telephone number of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. The Wildlife Enforcement Division should be called in the case of orphaned deer or black bear at 1-800-662-7137, or (919) 707-0040 for Wake County. If the orphaned animal can be identified as an endangered or threatened species, contact the Wildlife Enforcement Division or the US Fish and Wildlife Service at (919) 856-4786.

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Animals will often be more aggressive if they are injured or diseased. Be extremely cautious when approaching any injured animal or animal which appears to be sick or is acting in an abnormal manner. Relocate children and pets indoors. Bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks cannot be rehabilitated due to the possibility of rabies and should not be handled.

Locate a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in your area if you find an injured animal. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators provide care for an animal to a point in which it can be released back into its natural environment. You may also contact your local veterinarian for the name of a rehabilitator in the area, or to ask if they would be willing to help. You can also call the Nongame Wildlife Office at (919) 707-0060 or Wildlife Enforcement Communications at (919) 707-0040 to obtain the name and telephone number of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. The Wildlife Enforcement Division should be called in the case of injured deer or black bear at 1-800-662-7137, or (919) 707-0040 for Wake County. If the injured animal can be identified as an endangered or threatened species, contact the Wildlife Enforcement Division or the US Fish and Wildlife Service at (919) 856-4786.

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