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In general, if you can approach a wild animal and it does not run or fly away, it probably needs help. But before you intervene, please consider this:
Young birds leave the nest before they can fly. Birds are not taught to fly, rather they are simply pushed out of the nest and expected to work it out on their own, letting instinct take over. A young bird may be hopping around and appear to be injured (for example, flying up shakily and falling back down to the ground again), but chances are their parents are still taking care of it. Within one or two days a young bird will be flying with little trouble. It’s best to let the young birds work it out on their own and to leave them undisturbed.
Baby rabbits get visits from their mother only a few times a day. It is normal for them to spend long hours in a nest all by themselves. The nest is typically hidden under brush, bushes, or leaves.
Fawns, like rabbits, spend hours alone without their mother. Baby deer are best left alone. In the case of these babies, if they are not injured it is much better to leave them undisturbed while the parents take care of them.
If is it safe for you, it is all right to intervene if any wild animal is in imminent danger from cat or dog attacks, traffic, or other serious, immediate threats.
Do not put yourself at risk to rescue an animal. Don’t climb trees, crawl onto roofs, wade into deep water, cross busy streets, or otherwise put yourself in jeopardy. You will not do the animal any favors by getting yourself hurt.
Wild animals do not like being rescued. They consider action on your part as an attack and will fight back vigorously. Some can cause considerable harm with their teeth or claws. Some can transmit diseases. Rabies, for example, is always a concern with raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, coyotes and other carnivores.
In the District of Columbia, call the D.C. Animal Shelter, 24 hours a day, at 202-576-6664. (City Wildlife does not yet have a rehabilitation facility. We are working to open one very soon.)
In Montgomery County, call 240-773-5960.
In Prince George's County, call 301-499-8300.
In Northern Virginia, call the Wildlife Rescue League at 703-440-0800.
For advice during business hours (and daytime on weekends) call Second Chance Wildlife Center at 301-926-9453.
