You found an animal in distress! What should you do?
In short, you need to get the animal in a box/crate with air holes and a towel at the bottom.
Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet place and call the appropriate number below.
Never feed an injured animal!
OREGON, Call Blue Mountain Wildlife at 541-278-0215
WASHINGTON, Call W.S.U. Wildlife Ward at 509-335-0711
That being said, there are some other things to consider…
Could this be a young bird? Parents will continue to feed a fledgling bird while they are learning to fly. Below is a flow chart to help identify if babies need to be rescued.
If a bird is on the ground it may not be injured.
- If it has just eaten a meal, it may need to rest before it can fly away.
- Some birds nest on the ground
- Some birds, like the Great Blue Heron, will hunt rodents in the fields when the rivers are high.
Below is a guide to capturing injured birds of prey.
When approaching an injured raptor you are likely to see one of three responses. If the bird is mobile it may attempt to run or fly away. If it is in shock or unable to stand the bird may sit huddled on the ground and not move as you approach. The bird may assume a defensive posture by flipping on its back and extending its feet toward you. If this is the case be very careful of the feet and talons!
Before capturing the bird make sure all the necessary materials are at hand. Have a cardboard box that is large enough for the bird to stand. If necessary, poke a few holes in the box for ventilation. Have tape to secure the box once the bird is in it. Put another towel in the bottom of the box to give the bird better footing. Have another towel for each person who is going to catch the bird – at least two, but preferably three people. All should wear leather gloves.
To catch the bird slowly spread out, surrounding the bird, and approach simultaneously with your towel hanging in front of you. When close enough, drop one towel over the bird. Once the bird’s head is covered locate the feet through the towel and make sure they are securely restrained before picking up the bird. Place the bird and the towel (which is probably firmly clenched in its talons) in the box and secure the box with tape.