Wildlife Rescue
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Wildlife Rescue
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If
you find an injured or orphaned wild animal, call us at
(856) 983-3329, ext. 2 CALL - DO NOT EMAIL! |
 Gently
capture the Wild One and place it on a towel in a closed box. DO NOT attempt
to feed the animal or give it water! Use gloves when handling mammals -
they can carry rabies. Scroll down for more detailed instructions. Call
the wildlife hospital at (856) 983-3329 ext. 2, then
bring the animal to us. The rehab hospital is located at 6 Sawmill Road
in Medford. Click on the Directions button above for a map.
Please try to put baby birds back into the nest, or place them in a hanging basket and hook it onto a branch near the place you found them. Your scent will not keep the parents from finding and caring for their baby. You can also replace baby bunnies in or near their nest. The parents take much better care of their offspring than we can! Wild animals do not make good pets! Keeping a baby for even a short time can result in imprinting (bonding to humans). Imprinted animals can no longer survive on their own in the wild, dooming them to a lifetime in a cage. Please
note that the information contained herein is only a guide. Be careful!
Injured animals will often scratch or bite. Children should not attempt
to capture a wild animal without adult help. Mammals that appear injured
may have rabies,
a disease fatal to humans. Always use gloves when handling mammals. Also,
it is illegal
in
the state of New Jersey for unlicensed individuals to possess native wild
animals, so you must turn them over to the New Jersey Division of Fish,
Game and Wildlife or to a licensed rehabilitation facility like Cedar
Run.
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Catching
An Animal:
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Most
songbirds can be captured simply by placing your hands gently over the body
to enclose the wings. Once contained, they can be placed into a box or paper
bag that has been lined with a T-shirt or paper towels. Though songbirds
may occasionally bite, it is rare that the bite will cause a serious wound.
However, it is best to avoid placing your hands or fingers directly in front
of its face, or in a position so that it can turn its head to bite. If you
are attempting to capture a larger bird such as a crow, we highly recommend
that you utilize gloves, and other protective gear.
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| Waterfowl Wading Birds:
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Because
of their size and relatively greater strength, we highly recommend the use
of welders gloves and eye goggles to avoid injury. In some instances, using
a sheet or blanket to place over the bird can facilitate capture. Once the
bird has been captured, place it into a box that has been lined with a cushioning
pad or paper towels.
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| Raptors:
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Raptors,
including Hawks, Owls, Eagles, Falcons and Vultures can be extremely difficult
to capture and can also be far more difficult and dangerous when captured.
All have sharp beaks and talons that are designed to tear their prey apart.
As such, we highly recommend that you utilize great care if attempting to
capture a wild raptor. To begin with, use welders gloves, even with small
birds. Eye and face protection should also be used. Once captured, place
the bird into a box lined with a cushioning pad and secure it with rope
or tape to ensure that it can not escape. Most important, make sure to leave
space for air to enter and exit the box.
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| Mammals:
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As
with Raptors, Mammals can be dangerous and difficult to capture. They may
bite or scratch if they feel threatened, which is even more likely when
the animal is in pain from an injury. Do not attempt to pick up a mammal,
even with gloves, as their teeth may penetrate the leather. When attempting
to capture a mammal, place a box over it, then slide a piece of heavy cardboard
underneath (carefully, so as not to further injure the animal). Baby mammals
should be placed in a small box with soft dry cloth for bedding. Do Not
use leaves, grass or other natural materials as they will remove body heat
and chill the animal. Also do not pet or touch animals. Many animals carry
parasites such as fleas, ticks and lice. In the event that you do touch
one, please be sure to thoroughly scrub your hands after doing so.
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Other
Hints:  |
Many
animals, especially smaller ones and babies should be protected from chill
when captured. If you cannot get to the refuge immediately, placing the
box on a heating pad set to "LOW" can be beneficial. Make sure to place
a towel between the pad and the animal to ensure that it is not burned.
Do not give the animal anything to eat or drink before you bring it to the
refuge. If there will be some time between the capture and the time you
get it to the refuge, please contact the refuge for further instructions
at (856)-983-3329 ext. 2
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| Woodford
Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
4 Sawmill Road, Medford, NJ 08055 - (856) 983 3329 |
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