Rescue Information
If you think you have an injured, at risk or orphaned animal please contact a wildlife rehabilitation professional before taking any action.
To reach Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center call (604) 852-9173 or you can go to www.wrnbc.org (Wildlife Rehabilitators’ Network of BC) to find the wildlife rescue organization nearest to you.
If the creature is in IMMEDIATE danger
If the animal is in immediate danger, such as badly wounded, bleeding or on the road, please follow these instructions then contact your nearest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center:
* Place the animal in a cardboard box that is just big enough to hold it. If you choose to put something soft on the bottom of the box please make sure that it is something that will not get caught on the animals claws, a tea towel or smooth fabric is preferred, fleece is our favourite.
* After the animal is safely in the box place them in a dark, quiet area that is cool in the Summer and/or warm in the Winter.
Important Information
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you DO NOT give or provide access to any food or water! Animals in trouble are often severely dehydrated and cannot process fluids given orally, let alone food. Anything given orally to an injured or dehydrated animal will likely cause death. This must be handled by a wildlife rehabilitation professional, veterinarian, or under professional instruction.
Ascertaining Need
If you think you have come across an orphaned fledgling bird it is important to remember that during the months of March to June, and for some species even through to the month of September, fledglings are leaving the nest. It is not uncommon for fledgling birds to spend up to two weeks on the ground as they are learning to fly. These fledglings are still being cared for by their parents and any action taken to remove the fledgling from the area is more kidnapping than helping. You can help these fledglings by providing them with areas of shelter, if you have no bushes or shrubs building a pile of branches and leaves can provide them with a safety area. The only time to pick up one of these fledgling is if they are visibly wounded or you know without a doubt that the parents have been killed. If you are unsure, observe the fledgling for 2 hours, if the parents haven’t returned in that time it is likely that the fledgling is orphaned and will need to be brought to the nearest Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, please call in advance for instruction.
For more information on birds please follow the link provided above.
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