Important information will appear in this section as you complete each of the steps.
Based on your selection, this mammal appears healthy and may be a candidate for renesting and/or releasing back to your yard, based on your responses to additional questions. Wildlife have a far better chance of survival when raised by their own species. Follow the instructions in Step 3 for renesting and/or releasing. Additional details are also available in the FAQ at the bottom of this page.
Based on your selections, this mammal needs to be evaluated and/or treated by a wildife professional. When you speak with a wildlife rehabilitator, please share the information provided below. To locate a wildlife rehabilitator, Click Here
Hypothermia can be fatal if the mammal does not receive supplemental heat, so this mammal needs to be treated by a wildlife professional
This mammal is injured and needs to be treated by a wildlife professional
This mammal is lethargic and needs to be evaluated by a wildlife professional
This mammal has bruising, which indicates possible internal trauma and needs to be treated by a wildlife professional
This mammal may be injured and needs to be treated by a wildlife professional
Lack of proper nutrition and/or aspiration pneumonia will be fatal if not treated by a wildlife professional immediately
Lack of a proper diet and possible dehydration should be treated by a wildlife professional immediately
This mammal is most likely an orphan and should be taken to a wildlife professional
This mammal was handled by a dog, cat or other predator and needs to be evaluated by a wildlife professional
This mammal has been separated from its mother for too long and should be evaluated by a wildlife rehabilitator, who can determine whether the cottontail is healthy enough to attempt to reunite it, or whether it should remain in care.
Click here to view advice on reuniting this mammal with its mother.
Squirrels typically nest in cavities such as nestboxes, trees, and inside attics or sheds. And they usually have one or two other "backup" nesting locations. If the mother squirrel discovers that the nesting site was disturbed, she will relocate her babies to one of her alternate nesting locations.
Click here to view advice on reuniting this mammal with its mother.
Squirrels typically nest in cavities such as nestboxes, trees, and inside attics or sheds. If a baby has fallen from its nest and is otherwise healthy, there is a very strong likelihood that its mother will return it to its nest when she comes back to nurse her babies.
Click here to view advice on reuniting this mammal with its mother.
Squirrels typically nest in cavities such as nestboxes, trees, and inside attics or sheds. And they usually have one or two other "backup" nesting locations. If the mother squirrel discovers that the nesting site was disturbed, she will relocate her babies to one of her alternate nesting locations as soon as she feels it is safe.
Without a known nesting site, it will be difficult to attempt to reunite this squirrel with its mother. This squirrel should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator for evaluation and continued care. To locate a wildlife rehabilitator, Click Here
If you have found baby cottontail rabbit, you can use this form to determine whether you should take it to a wildlife rehabilitator for continued care or return it to its nest or your yard. Additional information for each question can be viewed by hovering over the blue information icon located next to the question. Please contact a wildlife rehabilitator if you have additional questions or need further assistance. As with all wild animals, please use caution when handling young wildlife. Wildlife don't understand that you are trying to help them, and even babies can bite.
