Whether you’ve found a baby bird, turtle in the road, or loon washed up on the beach, please read through the following information to see whether the animal actually needs assistance.
Please contain the animal, because wild animals will try to hide within a short time period of time. If it’s a baby follow our warming guidelines. Also know that since we are a volunteer organization, we rely on the kindness of people like you who have cared enough to help the animal to go that extra step and transport it to one of our licensed wildlife rehabilitators as e do not have regular rescuers and transporters.

If the wildlife you have found is apparently injured, sick, hit by a vehicle, or found near a dog or cat please call our Hotline (757-543-7000) immediately.

If it’s not obviously injured, look for any of the following. If you can answer yes to one or more of the following, please call our Hotline immediately:

• Is there bleeding? (past or present)
• Torn or punctured skin?
• If it’s a bird, does it look extra “inflated“?
• Is there heavy breathing, gasping, lack of regular breathing
• Bruising apparent? Please note: birds bruise green, and do not get gangrene
• Unable to stand, stands awkwardly, drags foot or leg, has a head tilt
• Broken limbs, wing or leg hanging awkwardly or at odd angle
• Is it cold? The bird or animal should be warm to the touch
• Is it thin? Baby birds are mostly abdomen and normally have a pot-bellied appearance, baby mammals should look plump
• If it’s a bird, does the skin on the neck or abdomen look wrinkled or like tissue paper?
• If it’s a mammal, does the skin stay “tented” when pulled up between the shoulder blades?
• Are the eyes clear and bright? Dull or sunken eyes are signs of illness, dehydration, and/or emaciation
• Is it stunned by striking against a window or building, but has no signs of injuries?
• Was the animal found in a chimney, swimming pool, or garage?
• Is it lethargic, sleepy, non-responsive?
• Are there flies or ants on or near the animal/bird?
• Any white or pale yellow “grains of  rice” on skin, feathers, feather shafts, fur, or in ears?
• Are dead siblings or parents nearby?
• Have children or pets handled it?
• Is it in immediate danger, does it stay in place when approached?
• Are the weather conditions bad?
• Have you already attempted to reunite or renest?
• Are you just not sure?