Encountering injured wildlife can be a heart-wrenching experience. Whether it's a bird with a broken wing or a small mammal struggling on the roadside, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in their chances of survival. In this blog post, we'll explore practical steps and considerations for assisting injured wildlife responsibly and effectively.
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Assess the Situation:
- Approach with Caution: Injured animals may be frightened and defensive. Approach slowly and quietly to avoid causing further distress.
- Evaluate the Injury: From a safe distance, observe the animal to assess the extent of its injuries. Note any visible wounds or signs of distress.
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Ensure Your Safety:
- Protect Yourself: Wear gloves or use a towel or cloth to handle the animal safely, especially if it's a mammal or reptile.
- Avoid Direct Contact: Some injured wildlife may carry diseases or parasites. Minimize direct contact to protect yourself from potential harm.
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Contact Wildlife Rehabilitation Professionals:
- Research Local Resources: Look up wildlife rehabilitation centers or organizations in your area. Keep their contact information handy for emergencies.
- Seek Expert Advice: Contact wildlife experts or rehabilitators for guidance on how to proceed. They can provide instructions tailored to the specific situation.
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Provide Temporary Shelter:
- Keep the Animal Warm and Quiet: Place the injured wildlife in a quiet, warm, and secure container, such as a cardboard box with air holes or a pet carrier lined with soft cloth.
- Minimize Stress: Keep human interaction and noise to a minimum to reduce stress on the injured animal.
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Transport Safely:
- Handle with Care: When transporting the injured wildlife, avoid unnecessary movement or jostling. Keep the container stable and secure.
- Avoid Excessive Heat or Cold: Ensure that the animal is not exposed to extreme temperatures during transport.
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Follow Rehabilitator's Instructions:
- Provide Necessary Information: Share details about where and how you found the injured wildlife with the rehabilitator. This information can help them assess the situation and provide appropriate care.
- Follow Rehabilitation Guidelines: If the rehabilitator accepts the animal, follow their instructions for drop-off and any further care or follow-up needed.
Encountering injured wildlife presents an opportunity to make a positive impact by providing assistance and care. By following these guidelines and seeking professional help from wildlife rehabilitators, we can help injured animals receive the support they need for recovery and eventual release back into their natural habitat. Together, we can be stewards of wildlife welfare and promote compassion and conservation in our communities.
Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers:
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Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Location: 2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458 Phone: (561) 575-3399
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Peace River Wildlife Center Location: 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Phone: (941) 637-3830
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Owl's Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife Location: 12995 Seminole Blvd, Largo, FL 33778 Phone: (813) 598-5926
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Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Location: 105 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Phone: (850) 650-1880
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Pelican Harbor Seabird Station Location: 1279 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138 Phone: (305) 751-9840
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Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida Location: 685 Baldwin Dairy Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220 Phone: (904) 779-5569
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South Florida Wildlife Center Location: 3200 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Phone: (954) 524-4302
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Save Our Seabirds Location: 1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone: (941) 388-3010
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Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue Location: Tampa Bay area (exact address varies based on operation) Phone: (813) 431-5660
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Wildlife, Inc. Education & Rehabilitation Center Location: 9224 30th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208 Phone: (941) 778-6324