Frequently Asked Questions

Use Animal Help Now to locate the nearest licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Visit ahnow.org or use the free app. This tool connects you to the right help, anywhere in the United States.

Contact your nearest animal shelter or humane society, not a wildlife rescue. Shelters are legally authorized and equipped for domestic animals.

No. Possessing most native birds and many wild animals without a permit is illegal. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits taking or possession of protected migratory birds, nests, or eggs without authorization. Only permitted rehabilitators may temporarily possess migratory birds for rehabilitation.

If it is mostly feathered and hopping with parents nearby, it is likely a fledgling and usually does not need help. Keep people and pets away and monitor. If it is naked or sparsely feathered, it may be a nestling, and it may need help or careful renesting. When in doubt, call a licensed rehabilitator through Animal Help Now.

Do not feed or give water unless a rehabilitator instructs you to do so. The wrong food or aspiration can cause serious harm. Keep the animal warm, dark, and quiet until you receive instructions.

Yes, these species are common rabies vectors, and bats are frequently associated with human rabies exposures in the United States. Do not handle. Contact your local health department if exposure is possible.

Do not touch or push it back into the water. Call the NOAA Stranding Network immediately to reach trained responders for sick, injured, entangled, stranded, or deceased marine mammals and sea turtles.

Do not cut or pull line unless instructed by a professional. Call the NOAA Stranding Network for marine species. Improper removal can be fatal.

No. Wildlife rehabilitators are permitted and trained for native wildlife, not domestic animals. Domestic animals must go to animal control or shelters. Accepting pets would violate wildlife permits and endanger wild patients.

If advised to transport, place the animal in a ventilated box with a towel, keep it warm, dark, and quiet, no food or water, no handling or photos, and drive directly to the instructed location.

Often no. Mothers leave fawns hidden for hours. Do not touch. Observe from a distance and call Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before intervening.

Place it in a small ventilated box in a quiet, dark place for up to an hour. If it does not recover, contact a rehabilitator through Animal Help Now.

Use extreme caution. Do not handle talons or beak. Call Animal Help Now first for  rehabilitator instructions. If transport is advised, wear thick gloves and follow box containment guidance.

Some clinics cannot legally accept wildlife or may not be trained in wildlife care. Call Animal Help Now first for permitted wildlife care or for a clinic that treats wildlife.

No. It is unsafe, illegal, and harmful to the animals’ survival. Wildlife must remain wild for successful release.

Yes, we welcome dedicated volunteers. Wildlife care requires specialized training, and many roles support the mission without handling animals, including transport, facilities, education, and fundraising. Contact us for current opportunities.

Monetary gifts fund medical care, species specific diets, and release readiness. Supplies like unscented paper towels, blankets, clean towels, bleach, gloves, heating pads without auto shut off, and species appropriate foods can be helpful. Check our current wish list before purchasing.