Injured and Orphaned Wildlife
Found an Injured or Orphaned Wild Animal?
Minnesota is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife, and it’s natural to want to help when you encounter an animal that appears injured, sick, or abandoned.
At South Hyland Pet Hospital, our focus is on providing veterinary care for companion animals. We do not provide wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, or treatment services.
Please do not bring injured or orphaned wildlife to South Hyland Pet Hospital. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on whether the animal needs assistance and where it should be taken.
Fortunately, Minnesota has several organizations dedicated to helping injured and orphaned wildlife.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Resources
Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release (WRR)
Rescue and transportation assistance for injured or sick wildlife
Website: Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release
Phone: (612) 822-7058
Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release is a nonprofit organization that coordinates assistance for injured and orphaned wildlife throughout Minnesota.
Their volunteer Wildlife Rescue Team may be able to assist with capturing and transporting injured or sick wild animals when members of the public cannot safely do so themselves.
If you’ve found an animal that needs assistance but are unable to safely capture or transport it, WRR may be a helpful resource.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRC)
Medical care and rehabilitation for injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife
Website: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
Phone: (651) 486-9453
Address: 2530 Dale Street North, Roseville, MN 55113
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota provides specialized medical care and rehabilitation for many species of wild animals, including mammals, songbirds, waterfowl, and reptiles.
WRC does not provide wildlife pickup or rescue services. Animals generally must be brought to their facility by the person who found them or an appropriate rescue organization.
If you suspect an animal is orphaned, contact WRC before removing it from its environment. Many young wild animals are temporarily left alone while their parents search for food.
Found an Injured or Orphaned Bird of Prey?
Birds of prey, also called raptors, require specialized handling and veterinary care.
Raptors are birds that hunt or scavenge for food and typically have powerful talons, hooked beaks, and excellent eyesight. Common examples in Minnesota include eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, ospreys, and vultures.
If you find an injured, sick, or potentially orphaned raptor, contact the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center directly for guidance.
The Raptor Center – University of Minnesota
Website: The Raptor Center
Phone: (612) 624-4745
Address: 1920 Fitch Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone Assistance: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays
Patient Admissions: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays
The Raptor Center specializes in the medical treatment, rehabilitation, and conservation of birds of prey.
Their experienced team can help determine whether a bird needs intervention and provide guidance on safe handling, transportation, and appropriate next steps.
Please call before transporting an injured raptor to their facility.
Helpful Resources:
Important: Raptors have powerful talons and beaks capable of causing serious injuries. Do not attempt to capture or handle a bird of prey without guidance from a qualified wildlife professional.
Does a Baby Wild Animal Really Need Help?
Finding a young animal alone does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned.
Many wildlife species leave their young unattended for extended periods while searching for food. In some cases, removing a healthy baby animal from its environment can do more harm than good.
For example:
- Baby rabbits: Mother rabbits typically visit their nests only briefly, often around dawn and dusk.
- Young deer: Does commonly leave their fawns hidden and alone for extended periods.
- Baby birds: Young birds learning to fly may spend time on the ground while their parents continue to feed and protect them nearby.
If you find a young wild animal that appears healthy and is not in immediate danger, contact a wildlife rehabilitator before attempting to move or rescue it.
A licensed rehabilitator can help determine whether the animal truly needs assistance.
What Should You Do if You Find Injured Wildlife?
For your safety and the animal’s well-being:
- Keep your distance. Avoid unnecessary handling, especially if the animal is frightened, aggressive, or behaving unusually.
- Keep children and pets away. This helps reduce stress for the animal and protects everyone involved.
- Do not offer food, water, or medications. Improper feeding or treatment can cause additional harm.
- Do not attempt to capture or transport dangerous wildlife. Large mammals, bats, raptors, and other potentially hazardous animals require specialized handling.
- Contact an appropriate wildlife professional as soon as possible. They can help determine whether intervention is necessary and explain the safest next steps.
Wild animals may carry diseases or parasites that can affect people and domestic pets. If you have been bitten or scratched, seek appropriate medical guidance.
Thank You for Looking Out for Minnesota’s Wildlife!
We appreciate the compassion of those who take the time to help an animal in need.
Although South Hyland Pet Hospital does not provide wildlife rescue or rehabilitation services, we are happy to share these resources to help connect our community with organizations that specialize in wildlife care.
When in doubt, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening. Their expertise can make a meaningful difference in giving injured or orphaned wildlife the best possible chance of recovery and return to the wild.