How To Know If A Wild Animal Needs Help
Finding a wild animal can be surprising—and often concerning. While our instinct is to help, not every animal that appears alone or quiet actually needs rescue. In many cases, well-meaning intervention can do more harm than good. Here’s how to tell when an animal truly needs help—and when it’s best to give them space.
Signs a Wild Animal Does Need Help
Fill out our bird or mammal forms (or contact a licensed rehabilitator in your area) if you observe any of the following:
Situations That Are Often Normal
These scenarios may look concerning, but they’re usually part of natural wildlife behavior:
What You Should Do First
If you’re unsure:
Why This Matters
Wild animals have specific needs, and improper handling or care—even with good intentions—can cause stress, injury, or separation from parents. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to assess, treat, and care for animals with the goal of returning them safely to the wild.
When in Doubt, Reach Out
If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts—but let us help guide the next step. Fill out the appropriate form for either a bird or mammal and we will be in touch (or reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area).
Your thoughtful actions help protect wildlife and give them the best chance to thrive where they belong—back in the wild.
Signs a Wild Animal Does Need Help
Fill out our bird or mammal forms (or contact a licensed rehabilitator in your area) if you observe any of the following:
- Visible injuries such as bleeding, broken wings or limbs, or open wounds
- An animal hit by a car or found on the roadside
- Inability to move, stand, or fly normally
- Lethargy, weakness, or unresponsiveness
- Obvious signs of illness, such as discharge from the eyes or nose
- A bird that can’t fly or is sitting on the ground for an extended time
- A young animal with no fur or feathers that is cold or exposed
- An animal caught by a cat or dog, even if no wounds are visible
Situations That Are Often Normal
These scenarios may look concerning, but they’re usually part of natural wildlife behavior:
- Baby birds on the ground that are fully feathered and hopping or fluttering
- Young mammals alone (like fawns or baby squirrels) — parents are often nearby
- Nocturnal animals seen during the day, especially after being disturbed
- Animals staying very still to avoid predators
- Predation — sadly young wildlife sometimes become prey, which is a natural part of a healthy ecosystem and not a reason to remove babies from their parents.
- Cats and dogs nearby — the presence of pets alone is not a reason to remove babies from their parents. If possible, keep cats and dogs indoors or supervised for a short time—babies grow quickly.
What You Should Do First
If you’re unsure:
- Do not feed the animal
- Keep pets and people away
- Observe for several hours, if safe to do so
- Fill out the appropriate form if you found a bird or mammal that you think may need our care.
Why This Matters
Wild animals have specific needs, and improper handling or care—even with good intentions—can cause stress, injury, or separation from parents. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to assess, treat, and care for animals with the goal of returning them safely to the wild.
When in Doubt, Reach Out
If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts—but let us help guide the next step. Fill out the appropriate form for either a bird or mammal and we will be in touch (or reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area).
Your thoughtful actions help protect wildlife and give them the best chance to thrive where they belong—back in the wild.
Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation serves Butte, Colusa & Glenn counties in Northern CA. Here is a list of all licensed rehab facilities in California.
