Found Injured or Orphaned Wildlife?
If you’ve found wildlife in need, the most important step is to pause and seek guidance before acting. We’re here to help you make the safest choice for the animal.
Squirrel
Raccoon
Rabbit
Fawn
Bat
Opossum
Bird
Ways You Can Help
Simple steps that can make a real difference for an animal in need.
A Box Can Save a Life
If an animal needs to be secured while waiting for a rehabilitator, a basic cardboard box is one of the safest options available. It limits stress and keeps the animal from further injury.
- Use a cardboard box with a secure lid
- Poke small air holes in the sides — not the top
- Line the bottom with a soft cloth or paper towels
- Do not offer food or water
- Keep the box in a quiet, warm, dark location
- Always wear gloves — never handle with bare hands
- Call us before transporting: (904) 779-5569
DIY Heat in Minutes
Orphaned and injured wildlife — especially babies — can go into shock quickly without warmth. This zero-cost trick provides safe, gentle heat when you have nothing else on hand.
- Fill a cotton sock with 2 cups of uncooked rice
- Microwave 2 min, or bake at 200°F for 20 min
- Wrap the sock in a towel before placing near the animal
- Never place heat directly against the animal's skin
- Stays warm 45–60 minutes — reheat as needed
- Safe for wildlife transport, baby animals, and more
A Warm Environment Saves Lives
Baby animals and injured wildlife are extremely vulnerable to cold. A plastic storage container with a heating pad underneath provides a stable, safe environment while you await a rehabilitator.
- Use a plastic container with a lid — punch holes for airflow
- Fill with fleece, flannel, or old t-shirts for bedding
- Place heating pad set to LOW under half the container only
- Use a pad with no auto-shutoff feature
- Half-heated setup lets the animal self-regulate its temperature
- Keep in a quiet, low-traffic area away from pets and children
Safety Reminders
• Never handle without gloves
• Never feed any animal you find
• Only give to licensed rehabilitators
We're Volunteer-Run
• Please be patient with response times
• Call before bringing animals to us
• We’re not staffed 24/7
Your compassion makes healing possible
Every rescue and second chance begins with caring people like you. Your support helps provide medical care, safe rehabilitation, and the time wildlife needs to heal and return to the wild where they belong.
Together, we can protect and care for the wildlife that shares our community.