First and foremost, call us immediately

218-491-3604. If we don't answer, leave a message and use the information below as a guide for what to do next.

• ...give any wild animal food or water. It hinders our ability to correctly assess the animal's condition, and most of the time what the internet tells you to feed an animal is wrong and does not take into account the animal's specific situation. Feeding or hydrating an animal before consulting with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator may result in the death of the animal.
• ...remove the animal from its situation unless it's clearly unsafe (such as, in the middle of the road) or you have been instructed to by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• ...try to raise the animal yourself:
  • it is illegal to raise or keep wild animals without special permits
  • it is difficult to do correctly without proper training
  • the animal will pay the price of your mistakes
  • wild animals may transmit diseases to you and your pets

Baby Birds

Bunny

Squirrels

Ducks/Geese

Fawns

Raccoons

Baby Animals

If you find a baby animal, please follow the steps on the animal-specific pages listed above. Often, baby animals are not really in need of help, and their parents are usually nearby.  Taking them out of their natural environment actually decreases their chances for survival. Animals who are injured or truly orphaned will need care.

To determine if a young animal really needs help consider the following:

• Wild parents often stay away from their young during the day, especially when humans are nearby.
• Many wild parents only return to their young for short periods during feeding.

The old saying that "wild parents will reject babies handled by humans" is false. If a baby bird falls out of a nest or a child comes to you with a baby bunny in his hand, quickly return the animal to where it was found.

If you take in an orphaned animal, place it in a box, put the box in a dark quiet place, and call us immediately.

A Bird Hit My Window

If a bird hit your window and is still alive, put it next to a nearby low-lying bush and let it rest. It can take a while for a stunned bird to recover and fly away. If there is no bush nearby, if you live in an area with outdoor cats, or if it’s getting dark outside, put a cardboard box over the bird to give it a safe place to rest. After a few hours, remove the box and see if the bird has recovered enough to fly away. If the bird doesn't recover on its own, call for assistance. Learn more here.

I Found an Injured Animal

If you find an animal with obvious injuries, please call us immediately.  If you choose to pick up or move an injured animal, please do so carefully with leather gloves or a towel, place it into a cardboard box with air holes, or into a pet carrier, and put the box in a dark, quiet place.  Do not attempt to feed or give water to the animal; inexperienced “help” may be fatal to it!