Frequently Asked Questions

CROW receive thousands of calls every year with all kinds of questions. Since there is no such thing as a "stupid question" we thought you might like to read some of our most common questions and the answers that go along with them.

1. What do I do if I find injured wildlife?
2. Why can't I keep the wildlife that I find?
3. I found a baby bird. I don't know what kind it is. What do I feed it?
4. Do I see the patients?
5. Do you treat Sea Turtles?
6. Will you release the animal back to where we found it?
7. Is there an animal that CROW will not accept?
8. Will someone call me to tell me how the animal is doing?
9. How many species and number of wildlife does CROW receive?
10. How long has CROW been around?
11. How is CROW funded?
12. How many staff, students and volunteers does CROW have?

1. The first step in the rescue of a wild animal is capture. Many times the finder is that animal’s only chance of getting the help they need. Almost anyone can contain a wild animal with a few simple instructions. Remember, wild animals are easily frightened and may attack once cornered so, most importantly, protect yourself.
   
   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 into the box for ventilation.
   Many animals are 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 entire body if possible. Restrain the head and wrap the towel around the animal. Quickly transfer the animal to a box before they escape.
   If you’re catching a bird, the beak is the first thing you grab and the last thing you 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.
   A net is very useful when capturing animals that will try to flee or fly. If a body of water is nearby, get between the water and the animal unless you feel like going for a swim.
   
   Once the animal is contained, transport them to a nearby wildlife hospital ASAP. To decrease the chance of life-threatening stress, minimize noise and movement and keep the animal closed up 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 the hospital in the morning. Top
   
   
2. Almost all the native and migratory birds and other animals are protected by state and federal laws. It is illegal to possess wildlife unless you have a permit or are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These laws are in place to protect wildlife and to insure that the care they receive when they are sick, injured or orphaned is appropriate and adequate for each wildlife species. The ultimate goal of wildlife rehabilitation is always the release back to the wild. Any lesser goal is a disservice to the wildlife we are here to serve. Top
   
   
3. Baby birds have varying nutritional requirements dependent on their species. Feeding an improper diet can cause serious development problems such as: weak bones that fracture easily and lack of proper feather growth. If you have found a baby bird, call your nearest rehabilitation center.
   If you are unable to reach them immediately for advice – Do Not Attempt To Feed Them. Place the baby bird in a small box lined with towels. Keep the baby in a quiet area away from air conditioning, children and pets.
   
   Many pet stores will offer to sell you a baby bird formula. This is not an appropriate diet for most baby birds. Remember that feeding a dehydrated baby bird can be fatal and that water, if not administered correctly, may cause them to drown.
   
   If you do not know of a rehabilitation center or a licensed rehabilitator in your area you can contact the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association (NWRA). Their site is available on our Links page. Top
   
   
4. Our patients are protected by Federal privacy rules that are similar to those governing a human hospital. Neither human nor non-human patients may be "on display". Visitors who take the time to experience the videos, live-patient-cams and inter-active exhibits located in our "Visitor Education Center" will get a much richer appreciation of our patients and our mission that they would in a clinic tour. Top
   
   
5. CROW is the only licensed sea turtle facility between Sarasota and Miami. Top
   
   
6. Sometimes it is important to release animals back to their own territory, other times it is not. The CROW Veterinarian will make this determination at the time of release. In all cases, it is important that we know where the animal was founbd and what the circumstances of the injury were at time of admittance. Top
   
   
7. We do not accept domestic pets. Marine mammals, such a manatee and dolphins, are sent to other facilities. Top
   
   
8. Only a Staff Veterinarian can address the status of a patient. Updates are given Monday thru Friday from 3-5PM. If at the time of your call the Veterinarian is busy, you will be called at a later time. Top
   
   
9. CROW treats about 170 species each year. We see over 4,000 patients per year; and at any given time, there are between 150 and 400 patients on site. Top
   
   
10. CROW is one of the oldest wildlife hospitals still in existence. In "2008" we celebrated our 40th year caring for orphaned, injured and sick native and migratory reptiles, mammals, and birds. Top
    
    
11. CROW is a non-profit organization and receives no federal, state or local funding. Our funds come from memberships, private donations, grants, fundraising events and foundation support. Top
    
    
12. Staff: We have two full-time Veterinarian on staff trained in wildlife medicine who lead a staff of full and part-time rehabilitators.
    Students: CROW is a teaching hospital and rotates approximately 40 students from all over the world each year.
    Volunteers: We have approximately 180 active volunteers, some year-round and many more seasonal. Top