Wildlife Emergencies
As a volunteer powered charitable organization,
we do not have the means or resources for pick ups or field rescues.
We must rely on finders bringing animals in need of care to our facility.
Please do not bring animals to the centre without first confirming an intake time with a wildlife volunteer.
KWC is NOT authorized for Rabies Vector Species
For assistance with a Raccoon, Skunk, Fox or Bat, please contact the closest wildlife centre to you, authorized to accept RVS.
What you are witnessing may be perfectly normal behaviour. Learn how to tell if an animal requires assistance.
Look for:
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Weakness or unconsciousness
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Discharge from the ears, eyes or nose
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Large patches of missing/damaged feathers, fur or shell
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Foreign objects stuck to or wrapped around the body
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A deceased parent or siblings nearby
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Bleeding
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Open wounds
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Cat attack - even without visible or obvious wounds
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Broken, injured or missing limbs – hindered movement
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Fly eggs or maggots
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Non-stop shivering or crying
If you see any of these signs, please follow the
Wildlife Capture Guide and contact us immediately.
Wild animals, even when immature or incapacitated, can be dangerous when scared or stressed, trying to defend themselves or escape.
Observe the situation from a safe distance and take pictures. Do not take unnecessary risks when attempting to help a wild animal; human safety must always come first.
Never touch a wild animal with your bare hands.
Wildlife Capture Guide
ALWAYS use caution with wild animals, especially Rabies Vector Species such as skunk, fox, raccoon and coyotes.
Do not take unnecessary risks!
If you are unsure please wait until you speak with an Authorized Wildlife Custodian before attempting any rescue.
*Porcupines have over 30,000 barbed quills covering most of their body. While they can’t ‘shoot them’ they will get caught on towels and blankets and it is quite painful when they are pulled out. Never use linens, towels or blankets with an injured porcupine.
Birds of Prey like Owls, Hawks or Falcons have very sharp talons and powerful legs and feet that act as their main weapons and defence. Some may drop on their backs in order to stick their feet in the air when threatened. Be very cautious to avoid the feet and ideally use thick leather gloves.
Water Birds like Herons, Loons and Grebes have very sharp and dexterous beaks used for spearing fish, amphibians and small mammals. They will use their beaks to defend themselves and often aim for the eyes. Wear protective glasses or goggles and secure the beak and head promptly.
While You Wait
A dark, quiet place
A heat source
Baby animals are not capable of thermoregulation and require an external heat source to stay warm without their mothers. There are a few options for a safe heat source:
Why shouldn’t I feed it or give it water?
Why can’t I help it myself?
Be Patient
Dead Wildlife
If you have found a dead wild animal there are a few steps you can take to ensure it is handled and reported properly, depending on the species. For more information, please visit;
Report window strikes and fatalities to FLAP Canada
Reported sightings and mortalities can help conservation biologists learn more about our native species, citizen scientists can help by reporting to iNaturalist or eBird
Identify Birds
Not sure about the species? All About Birds has everything you need to know about identifying North American bird species.