Wildlife Rescue: What Not To Do
What NOT To Do When You Find A Wild Animal
The Most Important Rule
When you find a wild animal in distress, the instinct to help can lead to actions that cause more harm than good. The most important principle in wildlife rescue is simple:
Do No Harm.
1. Do NOT Attempt to Care for an Injured Wild Animal Yourself
Wild animals in distress often enter a freeze response, appearing calm or tame when they are actually in shock. This is a survival instinct, not a sign that the animal is comfortable or unharmed.
Wild animals also require specialized treatment and diets to recover from injuries or to develop into healthy adults. The wrong medical care or diet can have deadly effects.
In many parts of the world it is illegal to attempt wildlife rescue or care without a special permit or license. If you find an animal in need, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately and leave the care to those who are trained to help.
2. Do NOT Attempt to Keep Wildlife as Pets
Wild animals can appear calm and approachable when young or when suffering from trauma, but this does not make them suitable pets. Wild animals need their natural diet to stay healthy and their outdoor environment to feel secure and display natural behaviors.
Keeping a wild animal as a pet deprives it of its most basic needs. Wild animals can also carry a variety of diseases and parasites that pose health risks to people and other animals in the home. Leave wildlife rescue and care to those trained to protect both you and the animal.
3. Do NOT Trust All Internet Advice
The internet can be a useful starting point, but wildlife rescue and care is highly specialized. If you search for help online, look for these three things before following any advice:
Diet Recipes Beware.
If a site recommends feeding the wild animal, think twice. Most internet diet recipes contain items from grocery or pet stores that can cause severe digestive upset in the short term and serious nutritional deficiencies if used long term. If the site recommends anything other than offering a shallow dish of water or a human infant electrolyte solution, do not follow it.
Check for Licenses and Credentials.
Look for a list of credentials, permits, or licenses on the site. If none are listed, treat the advice with caution.
Look for Contact Information.
Most reliable wildlife rehabilitation facilities will provide clear contact details and information on when and where to bring animals in need. If no contact information is listed, do not follow the advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Feeding wildlife the wrong diet, even with good intentions, can cause serious harm or death. Do not offer food unless a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specifically instructs you to do so.
In most regions it is illegal to possess a wild animal without a special permit or license. The only legal exception is transporting the animal directly to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you or follow our step-by-step wildlife rescue guide to help the animal safely.
Want to Make a Difference for Wildlife?
Every wildlife rescue starts with someone who cares enough to act. If you want to go beyond the moment and learn how to truly help, IWRC offers training, resources, and a global community of wildlife rehabilitation professionals ready to welcome you.