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Transporting Wildlife
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Be Prepared:
You will be prepared to assist most wildlife if you keep the following in your car:
• A cardboard pet carrier folded flat
• A shoebox or plastic pet carrier with lid, punched with air holes from the inside of the box
• Paper towels or receiving blankets
• Thick towel or thick but lightweight jacket
• Lightweight shovel
• A piece of flat cardboard
• Gloves
• Margarine tub lined with paper towels
What Should I Do?
• Never attempt to capture an adult sick or injured mammal. Call the wildlife hotline for advice: 703 440-0800.
• Determine if the animal really needs to go to a rehabilitator or if you can do something to reunite it with parents. Many fledglings are
kidnapped every year when their hopping around is misinterpreted. If the mother is nearby, put the fledgling in a shrub and go away. If you don't see the mother, watch from a
distance.
• If in doubt whether the animal should be rescued, call the Wildlife Hotline (703-440-0800) or a rehabilitator.
• If the animal has not been contained, use your judgment whether it should be or whether professional help is needed. Do not put yourself in a position
where you will be injured. If you do rescue the animal, use gloves or a towel to handle it. Gently throwing a towel over an injured bird will calm it for handling.
• Put the animal in a container slightly larger than the animal, lined with paper towels or a towel without holes and strings (so it will not slide
around). Make sure there is no water in the box. If the animal is a tiny baby bird(s), they can be placed in a lined margarine tub and then inside a box. Most birds can also be
carried in a paper bag. Do not use wire cages--they can make an injury worse!
Making the Drive
• Once the animal is securely contained, put it in a warm (but not hot) location. If it is very cold or very hot, the temperature must be changed gradually.
Do not put directly in the heat or air conditioning path.
• Place the carrier on the back seat, long side facing the back of the front seat to minimize movement if there's a sudden stop.
• Keep the car radio off.
• Get to a rehabilitator as soon as possible. A few minutes can make a difference. Do not leave on a porch or other unattended place unless previously arranged.
• If a bird cannot stand up, make a donut with a small towel and prop the bird up in the donut with the wings tucked in.
• Cover the box! If there is a rabbit inside, tape the lid on. If the container is clear, cover it with a towel for darkness.
• Do not give the animal food or water unless instructed to by a licensed rehabilitator!
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