Does it need to be rescued?

General rule:

If you can approach the animal as though to make contact, and the animal does not run away, then something is wrong. (Very young birds and mammals cannot run away and those situations need to be carefully assessed.)

Words and phrases that indicate the animal needs rescuing:

• Flies, worms, mites, or maggot infestation * (NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Caught by a cat**(NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Visible external unhealed injuries(NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Parent known dead or separated and cannot be reunited (NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Renesting/ reuniting was attempted and was unsuccessful(NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Severe trauma (collision with car, long fall)(NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Very cold(NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Very thin and/or very weak(NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Caught by a dog (NEEDS A REHABBER ASAP)
• Bird struck window
  • Keep for two hours in warm dark quiet place unless visible injury; attempt release. To rehabilitator if not successful.
• "Begging" or following behavior toward humans/ domestic animals
  • To rehabilitator unless this is "habituation" or nest protection

If flies are seen around animals, check animals for fly (maggot) eggs. The eggs are pale yellow and are laid in clumps on the flesh or in the feathers. They look like rice or grain. If there are fly eggs, refer to a rehabilitator.

Cats can cause invisible puncture wounds. Must be treated within 24 hours with antibiotics. Death rate of cat-caught birds still over 90%.

Yes, It Needs to Be Rescued - Now What?

Click Here: How to Rescue Wildlife