What to do if you’ve found an animal

Please help us stay open.

The WCRNEF is run entirely by volunteers and receives no funding from the city, county, state, or federal sources. Due to this lack of support, we are at risk of closing in 2014. Please help us continue to help the injured and orphaned wild animals.

Read an letter from the president of the board, Barbara Tidwell, about end of year giving.

What to do if you’ve found an animal

Spotting a baby animal by himself doesn’t necessarily mean he’s an orphan. Many wildlife parents leave their young alone during the day, sometimes for long periods. If the babies are still dependent, the mother is usually nearby, discreetly keeping an eye on them.

You’d be surprised—even small young animals are often independent enough to fend for themselves. Unless they appear injured or in distress, there may be no need to rescue them.

The advice on this website is meant to be information that you can use at your own discretion. Please call us if you still have questions or have any other concerns. View the full disclaimer.