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If I have a sick or injured bird, mammal, or other animal, what do I do?

Last Updated: March 21, 2007

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Wild animals have an amazing power to heal themselves from injuries. Sometimes it is best to just leave the animal alone for a while to give it time to recover. For example, a bird that has flown into a window may just be stunned and, after a few minutes, be able to fly away.

Other injuries are serious enough to need human help. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (wildlife rehabilitators list by state) for information on what to do in your specific case. This will often involve taking the animal to a rehabilitation facility as it is usually illegal to possess any wild animal without special permits.

For more information, see the Web site maintained by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (Can I Keep Him?).

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