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Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition, Inc. TWRC is a shelter whose mission is to rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured Texas wildlife; to provide education and instruction in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation; and to stimulate, encourage and support scientific investigation into areas related to management, rehabilitation and conservation of wildlife and its habitats. TWRC is nonprofit and has been in operation for over 20 years. For more information, TWRC's website is: http://www.twrc-houston.org/ What to do if you find a wild animal… (as provided by TWRC) 1. Decide first if the animal needs help. Many well-meaning people rescue an orphaned mammal or bird that does not need to be rescued. Also, don't kidnap a healthy animal for a possible pet. State and federal laws protect nearly all wild mammals and birds. It is against the law to possess the animal or bird or the nests, feathers, or eggs without special permits. Below are things you can do to help a wild creature in trouble and clues to identify those that need rescuing. 2. It is NOT true that mammals or birds will reject their young once they have been handled by humans. Nonetheless, the handling of wild babies should be avoided or kept to a minimum. Handling by humans can be stressful to the animal. Also, the human scent can sometimes attract predators seeking food. 3. Never pick up any wild animal/bird with your bare hands. Only adults should handle a wild animal. Wear gloves and use a stick, broom or rolled up newspaper to push the animal into an open paper bag or box. DO NOT put the animal into a plastic bag. Secure the top with tape so it doesn't get out. BE CAREFUL! An animal that is hurt or frightened may bite. A towel or blanket may be thrown over the animal to catch it before putting it in a box. Goggles or safety glasses should be worn when picking up a heron and other birds with long necks and sharp beaks. 4. Keep the baby or injured animal WARM and CONTAINED and QUIET. Put tissue or towels in the box or bag to keep it warm, and cover it. Darkness makes the animal feel more secure. Loud noises are scary, so keep it away from the radio and TV. Keep it out of drafts and away from air conditioners. The box can be put one half on and one half off of a heating pad set on low. 5. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL FOOD, WATER, OR MILK! Water and milk can go down into the animal's or bird's lungs and kill it. Feeding an animal or bird the wrong food can cause harm to the animal. 6. If an animal or bird has been caught by a cat, please take it to the Shelter immediately. Even if wounds are not visible, the animal or bird needs to be on antibiotics. 7. Take the animal to your nearest wildlife shelter |
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