You have found an injured or orphaned wild animal!
What should you do?
Step 1: Call OWLS @ 252-240-1200 as soon as possible. They will help you assess the situation and provide you with the proper action (if any) to take. In certain situations moving the animal can do more harm than good and you don't want to be a kidnapper of baby animals.
Step 2: If it is determined that care is needed please get the animal to OWLS or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area as soon as possible. Do not try and take care of the animal yourself. This is dangerous for both you and the animal.
- Use gloves, a net, or a towel to pick up the animal very carefully.
- Keep the animal calm by placing in a closed container with air holes (e.g. a cardboard box or pet carrier) and on something soft (e.g a towel).
- Keep it in a quiet, dark, and warm place. If you have a heating pad, turn the setting on low and put the container half on and half off the heating pad.
- Remember that this is a wild animal that is scared and stressed. Do not attempt to feed the animal. Please refrain from excessively looking at the animal and never attempt to pet it. It most likely sees us as a predator and stress can be fatal.
- Keep the animal in a dark, quiet, and warm room until you can get it to OWLS. The sooner you get them to OWLS or a licensed rehabber means a better chance for a full recovery.
- Please remember that OWLS receives no federal or state funding. These animals depend on your donations.
Step 3: OWLS will give you a case number that will allow you to check up on your patient during their stay at the clinic. If they make a full recovery you may be able to participate in the release. It is a great feeling knowing that because of you this animal has a chance at life.
Thank you so much for your compassion!