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Orphaned or Injured Animals

Many wild animals do not need to be "rescued" even if the animal appears abandoned. Young animals are often left alone for hours while their parents gather food. In the unlikely event that you should come across an orphaned or injured animal please follow the steps below. Call Sarvey Wildlife Center at 360-435-4817 or PAWS at 425-787-2500 for advice.

What To Do If You Find an Orphaned Wild Animal:

• Do not rush - If you see a young animal alone, it may not be orphaned. Many times the mother may be nearby but out of sight. Wild young must go out and about without their mother in order to learn how to make it on their own.

• Observe - Gather as much information as possible about the animal. What kind? Is there blood or flies? Is it breathing heavily? Is it making noises? Is it plump and round or scrawny and thin?

• Leave the area - If there are no apparent injuries, leave the area for a while. This will give you time to call Sarvey Wildlife Center or PAWS for advice and give the mother a chance to retrieve her young.

• Return - After talking with Sarvey or PAWS return and with the advice you have been given, you can now safely do what is best for both the animal and yourself.

What To Do If You Find an Injured Wild Animal:

• Do not panic or rush - You could put yourself in danger and or cause more injury to the animal.

• Do not touch - Unless the animal must be moved out of immediate danger, such as a road. Never handle injured animals without creating a barrier between you and the animal. For example, use gloves, a blanket, net, box or board.

• Do not feed - Keep animal warm, in a dark place and quiet.

• Call for help or advice - Do not attempt to care for wild animals yourself. Call Sarvey Wildlife Center at 360-435-4817 or PAWS at 425-787-2500.