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Wildlife Emergency
[raptor]
[adult bird] [baby
bird]
Raptor Emergency
Raptors are birds such as owls, hawks, falcons, vultures, and
eagles.
If you suspect that you have an injured or sick adult raptor or an
orphaned juvenile raptor please contact the Wildlife In Need Center
at (262) 968-5075 with your observations to decide with the help of a wildlife
rehabilitator whether the raptor needs help.
If you determine that the raptor needs help please follow these
suggestions for safe capture, care, and transportation. Capture:
- Find a towel, blanket, jacket, or light weight material that
will completely cover the raptor. Also, find a pair of heavy
gloves to protect your hands.
- Remember that a raptors main defense is their feet and talons.
They may not realize that you are trying to help so BE CAREFUL!
- Approach the raptor from behind and completely cover it with the material. Remember if the raptor is alert it
will struggle.
- Restrain the raptor under the material and hold its wings
against its body.
- Place the raptor in a well ventilated cardboard box or
plastic pet carrier.
- Make an observation of where the raptor came from so it can be
returned. Raptors are very territorial and are most
successful after release if they can be returned to their own
territory.
Care:
- Please DO NOT FEED or OFFER WATER to the raptor as it can
aspirate or choke on what is offered. Raptors have very
specific dietary needs and require specialized food and care.
- Handle the raptor as little as possible and keep the raptor
in a dark, quiet, calm, and warm place to reduce stress until
the raptor can be brought to a licensed rehabilitation facility.
Transportation:
- Place the covered and secured box on the floor or seat of
your car.
- Keep the car quiet (no radio and quiet voices) and warm to
reduce stress.
- Do NOT let a child or other individual hold the raptor in
transport. It is a safety risk for the person, as well as
extremely stressful for the raptor. Please think first
about the well being of the raptor in your care.
Remember your safety is the most important factor. Do
not unnecessarily put yourself or others at risk for injury
while attempting to rescue or capture an animal. When in
doubt call the Wildlife In Need Center (262) 968-5075. Way
to Go! You have become a Wildlife Rescuer.
[click for information about how to
continue to help your rescued wildlife patient] |
