Finding an injured wild bird can be upsetting. As caring people, our instinct is to want to help the poor creature. However, handling injured wildlife actually does more harm than good in many cases. Wild animals are not domesticated, and they can bite or scratch out of fear if handled by humans. They may also carry diseases transmittable to people or pets. For these reasons, it is very important not to try capturing or treating an injured wild animal on your own. Instead, the best thing you can do is call your local wildlife rehabilitation expert right away. They have the proper training, qualifications, permits, and resources to give the animal the best chance of recovery and release back to the wild. This article will provide advice on what to do if you find an injured wild bird and who to contact for assistance in your area.
Assessing the Situation
If you encounter an injured bird, assess the situation before intervening. Look for any immediate hazards or threats around the bird. Are there predators like cats or foxes around that could further harm the bird? Is the bird in a dangerous location like the middle of a road? Remove any dangers if you can do so safely.
Next, observe the condition of the bird from a distance. Does it have any visible injuries or impairments? Is it able to stand up, move around, flap its wings, or hop? This will give you clues as to the severity of its condition. Also take note of the type of bird and its age if possible. Knowing the species can assist the wildlife rehabilitator in proper treatment and care.
When to Call for Help
In most cases of injured wild birds, you’ll want to contact a local wildlife specialist right away. Some situations that definitely require calling for assistance include:
- An apparent broken bone or wing
- Bleeding or an open wound
- Inability to stand up or fly
- Feathers soaked with oil
- Capture by a cat, dog or other predator
If the bird is stunned or suffering from shock but does not have major visible injuries, it can sometimes recover on its own if given a bit of time in a quiet, sheltered place away from people and pets. However, calling for help is still the safest option. It’s always best to have the bird examined and assessed by a wildlife expert whenever possible.
Young nestlings or fledglings on the ground may appear injured but could be normal. Typically, however, they have the best chance to survive if a rehabilitator raises the chick. Never try to return bird nestlings to the nest yourself.
How to Safely Contain the Bird
While waiting for help, you may need to temporarily contain the bird in a safe enclosure. Here are some tips for safe capture and handling:
- Wear thick gloves to avoid bites and scratches.
- Approach slowly and gently throw a light sheet or towel over the bird.
- Scoop up the bundled bird and place in a ventilated box or animal carrier covered with a cloth.
- Keep the bird in a warm, quiet, dark place like a closet.
- Don’t give food or water, which could harm more than help.
Avoid handling raptors like hawks, owls, or eagles, which can be dangerous. Simply keep people and pets away from the area until help arrives.
If you cannot safely contain the bird yourself, call for guidance right away. The wildlife rehabilitator can talk you through the safest options.
Who to Contact for Help
So who should you call if you find an injured wild bird? Here are some options:
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
The best choice is a wildlife rehabilitation center or sanctuary licensed to professionally treat injured wild animals. Rehab facilities have the expertise to:
- Give first aid and supportive care.
- Properly evaluate the injury or illness.
- Provide appropriate veterinary treatment.
- Nurse the bird back to health.
- Coordinate release back to the wild.
Contact a local rehab facility or use an online directory such as The Wildlife Rehabilitators Association to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you.
Wildlife Rescue Hotline
Many areas have hotlines you can call for wildlife emergency assistance. These hotlines may be run by animal control, wildlife resource agencies, nature centers or conservation groups. When you call the hotline, an operator will ask questions about the situation, give instructions, and dispatch a trained wildlife responder if needed.
Animal Control or Humane Society
Local animal control officers or humane societies often assist with injured wildlife cases in addition to domestic animals. They may be able to respond themselves or get the bird appropriate care from a wildlife rehabilitator.
State Wildlife Agency
Each state has a government agency that manages wildlife resources, such as the Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Wildlife. They can provide advice on dealing with wildlife issues and connect you with rehabilitators.
Veterinary Hospitals or Clinics
Some veterinary offices are willing to stabilize an injured wild bird in an emergency. However, their resources are often limited, so they may still refer you to a wildlife rehabilitator for longer-term care.
Wildlife Control Companies
Businesses that handle wildlife nuisances like snakes in a home or geese on a corporate property are another option. They frequently work with wildlife rehabilitators and can transport an injured bird to one.
Information to Provide About the Bird
When you contact someone for help, provide as much information as possible to assist their response:
- Your name and contact information
- Exact location of where the bird was found
- Date and time you discovered the bird
- Approximate age and type of bird (if known)
- Detailed description of the bird’s condition and any injuries
- How you contained the bird, if safely done
The more details you can give, the better able they will be to decide next steps for helping the bird.
What Not to Do for Injured Birds
Though well-meaning, some actions could harm rather than help injured birds. Avoid these mistakes:
- Do not give food, water, or medication meant for humans/pets.
- Do not try to fix broken wings or bones yourself.
- Do not try to return baby birds to the nest.
- Do not keep injured wild animals at home as pets.
- Do not release birds until fully recovered and approved by the rehabilitator.
The best support you can provide is calling for professional assistance as soon as possible. Let the experts examine, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate the bird.
Steps for the Wildlife Rehabilitator
Once the injured bird is in the hands of a professional wildlife rehabilitator, here are typical next steps:
Triage Assessment
The rehabilitator does an initial evaluation of the bird’s condition, makes sure it’s stable enough for further care, and gives any emergency first aid needed.
Diagnosis
They determine the type and extent of injuries through physical exam, medical tests, and diagnostics like x-rays.
Treatment
Based on the diagnosis, appropriate medical treatment is given, including:
- Wound care & bandaging
- Supportive fluids & nutrition
- Fracture stabilization
- Infection management
- Pain control
- Other medication as needed
Rehabilitation Process
The bird is supported through recovery in a specialized enclosure and assessed for release readiness. This may involve:
- Regaining mobility & strength
- Testing flight capability in aviaries
- Ensuring ability to feed independently
- Monitoring behavior and socialization
Release Back to the Wild
The ultimate goal is returning rehabilitated animals to natural habitat. The timing and location are carefully chosen for best success. Some animals that cannot be released may be retained for educational purposes.
Feel Good About Doing Your Part
Should you come upon injured wildlife, resist the urge to intervene yourself. Call a professional wildlife rehabilitator or rescue hotline right away. This gives the animal the best chance of getting appropriate expert care and, hopefully, its freedom back. You can feel good knowing that you did your part to help a wild creature in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about dealing with injured wild birds:
What if it’s after hours and I can’t reach any wildlife organizations?
Keep trying emergency hotline numbers, even if late at night or very early morning. Many have 24-hour response. If absolutely urgent, contact your local police department or animal control office, or nearest veterinary emergency clinic, for assistance contacting an on-call rehabilitator. Transport the bird yourself only as a very last resort.
Should I move an injured bird out of the road/other dangerous area?
Yes, but use extreme caution in handling. Wear thick gloves, gently guide the bird onto a towel, and move it only far enough to be out of immediate danger. Then contain it as described above until a rehabilitator can take over care.
What if it’s a baby bird and I can’t find the nest?
It’s actually best not to try putting them back in the nest. Call for help, as the baby will have the best chance if raised by a wildlife professional from that point. They can determine any rehabilitation needed and eventually release.
Are songbirds protected by law?
Yes, it is illegal to keep native wild songbirds as pets or to try raising them without permits. That is why you must hand over wildlife to licensed rehabilitators or rescuers. Never keep them yourself unless authorized.
What is the cost to rehabilitate a wild bird?
There is typically no “cost” to you for rescuing an animal, as wildlife rehabilitators depend on charitable contributions and volunteers. However, they always appreciate donations to support their vital service!
Conclusion
Finding an injured wild bird can pull at your heartstrings. While the desire to help is natural, good intentions can sometimes end up doing more harm than good. Let this guide prepare you to make the best choices to assist wild birds in need. The most important thing is contacting licensed wildlife rehabilitation experts, who have the right knowledge, training, and resources to give the animal the greatest chance of recovery. With the right approach, you can do your part to support local wildlife.