Found an Animal?

If you find an animal that you think needs help, please call CROW at (239) 472-3644, ext. 222. We are here to evaluate and, if necessary, rescue and treat animals so that they can be returned to their habitats.

Go here for convenient locations to drop off wildlife in need of help.

Keep a safe distance.
Please remember, you should not automatically pick up or even approach injured wildlife. Certain animals should only be handled by experienced rescuers, particularly if they are ill or injured. Disturbing animals could lead to further injury and you could put yourself at risk of bites or attacks, as well. The list below offers suggestions on addressing injured wildlife.

Remember the little ones.
Some animals that appear orphaned may not really need rescuing. For example, baby birds that are learning to fly often hop on the ground as a parent watches nearby, and picking them up interrupts that process. Similarly, baby rabbits found on the ground might not necessarily be orphaned. Mother rabbits feed them only at dawn and at dusk, and then typically do their best to stay hidden.

If you can't tell whether an animal needs help, please call CROW at (239) 472-3644, ext. 222.

If you must intervene...

Many times, the finder provides an animal's only chance of getting the help he or she needs. If you must intervene, the first step in a wild animal rescue is the capture. Before taking action, however, remember that wild animals are easily frightened and may attack once cornered. Protect yourself, and follow these suggestions to make the process happen more smoothly:

• Have a box or animal carrier ready to contain the animal. Garbage cans, recycling bins and even paper bags will work in a pinch, depending on the size of the animal. Poke holes in boxes for ventilation.

• Many animals are more easily captured with a large towel. Approach the animal slowly, holding the towel out in front of you. Once in range, throw the towel over the animal's head or over its entire body, if possible. Restrain the head and wrap the towel around the animal, and then quickly transfer the animal to a box before it escapes.

• If you're catching a bird, the beak is the first thing you should grab and the last thing you should release. When dealing with small mammals, a thick pair of work gloves can prevent personal injury.

• Do not try to contain an alert, large mammal without expert assistance and special equipment. Rabid mammals can transmit rabies to you through a bite wound. Certain animals should only be handled by staff or experienced rescuers such as otters, raccoons, bobcats, foxes, alligators, coyote, adult deer, and bats.

• A net is very useful for capturing animals that will try to flee or fly. If a body of water is nearby, get between the water and the animal. If not, you might end up going for a swim.

• Once the animal is contained, transport it to a nearby wildlife hospital as soon as possible.

• To decrease the chance of life-threatening stress for the animal, minimize noise and movement and keep the animal closed in the container at all times. The animal should not be able to see out of the container.

• Do not offer food or water. Feeding a dehydrated or injured animal can be fatal.

• If the rescue happens after hospital hours, place the container in a quiet, warm and dark room to minimize the animal's stress. Call CROW in the morning.