So you found a wild animal?

If the animal is a rabies suspect, i.e. ANY raccoon, skunk, fox, bat, or coyote, call animal control immediately and do not to go near the animal.

It is against federal law for an individual to possess any wildlife, including the eggs, feathers, and nests without having a wildlife license.

Is the animals injured? If yes, bring the animal to FCAH to drop off as a donation to the hospital. The animal will be assessed, proper care will be administered, and then the animal will be sent to a wildlife rehabilitator for evaluation and possible rehabilitation.

If the animal is not injured and it is a baby bird: Is there a nest around anywhere, i.e. in a nearby tree, shrub, or in the open? If a nest can be found, place the baby bird back into the nest and leave it alone. Birds have a poor sense of smell and thus, the mother bird will accept the baby even if it smells like a human. If no nest can be found or if the nest has been destroyed, one can be created using a shallow butter tub and shredded paper towels. Place the built nest with the babies in it securely in the tree. Do not get hurt in the process. Do not sit or stand near the tree while waiting for the mother to return. They will not return with humans close by. Give the mother bird 24-48 hours to reclaim her babies. If she has not returned within 48 hours, then bring them in as a donation to FCAH so that a wildlife rehabilitator can be located.

If the baby is a mammal, i.e. rabbit, deer, etc: If the animal is not in immediate danger, leave it alone where it is. If the animal is in direct sunlight, in a road, or other such immediate danger, move it to a safe place and leave it alone. Many animal mothers leave their babies alone for hours at a time while they forage for food. Give the mother animal 24-48 hours to reclaim her young. If the baby remains unclaimed after 48 hours, bring the pet to FCAH as a donation and a wildlife rehabilitator will be located.

Any other situation, call a county game warden (Texas Parks and Wildlife website http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us), local wildlife rehabilitator, or animal control to have the animal picked up.

If none of the contacts can be reached, bring the pet to FCAH and drop the animal off and we will have a rehabilitator pick the animal up. This EXCLUDES the following animals: large animals, i.e. deer, wolves, coyotes, skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT SKUNKS, RACCOONS, FOXES, RATS (unless pets), MICE (unless pets) OR BATS OF ANY AGE OR CONDITION UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.