pause before you rescue
How to safely help wildlife in need.
Every year countless animals die or suffer irreversible harm because a well-meaning finder didn't get the animal to a wildlife rehabber in time. Give wild animals the best chance of survival. Trust their care to a trained rehabber.
found a baby animal?
First, pause and observe.
observe the baby
If the baby is fully furred, has open eyes, and is hopping around, it is likely a healthy juvenile learning to explore. The mother is usually nearby. Do not remove the baby unless it is injured or in immediate danger.
Check for Injury/Danger
The baby needs help if it is:
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Bleeding or visibly injured
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Cold, weak, or unresponsive
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Covered in flies or maggots
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Caught by a cat or dog
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Found next to a deceased mother
If any of these apply, contact us immediately.
if un-injured and alone...
You can attempt a reunion.
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Place the baby in a safe location near where it was found (or in a shallow box near the location).
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Keep pets and people away.
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Watch from a distance for 2–4 hours.
The mother will not reject her baby because of human scent.
if the mother does not return...
Proceed to the steps listed below.
If You’ve Found a sick, injured, or abandoned Wild Animal
Act quickly and carefully.
1
Put the Animal in a Box
Wear gloves and gently place the animal in a secure, well-ventilated cardboard box with a lid or a pet carrier.
2
Line the Box with Fabric
Line the bottom with a soft T-shirt or cloth for comfort and to prevent injury.
3
Keep it Quiet & Dark
Close the lid and keep the container in a quiet, dark, warm place away from people and pets.
4
Avoid Stress
Limiting noise, light, and handling is critical — stress can be life-threatening for wild animals.
5
Do NOT Give Food or Water
Feeding or offering fluids can cause serious harm, especially if the animal requires surgery or emergency medical treatment.
6
Do NOT Treat the Animal
Wildlife have specialized medical and nutritional needs. Improper care can lead to suffering, permanent injury, or death, and may also put you at risk.
7
Contact Us ASAP
Professional care gives the animal the best possible chance of survival and release.
TEXT US: (626) 715-0262​
if you find an opossum...
Sick/Injured Adult Opossums
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Get a box and line it with a large towel on the bottom. Make air holes.
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Place an old towel or t-shirt over the opossum.
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Wearing leather gloves or gardening gloves, pick up the opossum and place them into the box.
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Close the lid of the box. Place it in a quiet, dark location until you can reach us.
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Do not offer any food or water.
Orphaned Baby Opossums
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Juvenile opossums are independent of the parent at about 6″ in length from the nose to the base of the tail.
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Orphaned baby opossums will need immediate care from a licensed rehabilitator.
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Line a box with an old towel or t-shirt on the bottom. Make air holes.
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Pick up the baby opossums and place them in the box.
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Close the lid of the box. Place the box in a quiet, dark location until you can reach us.
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Place a heating pad set to low under half of the box.
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Do not offer any food or water.
found an injured or orphaned wild animal in the la area?
Wildlife Emergency
text a photo
Please TEXT us a photo with a brief description and location and someone will get back to you.