I found this....What do I do!?!

What Constitutes an Emergency

Not every animal that is on its own, looks abandoned or alone, or seems to be in the wrong place, is in need of help. You may find a fallen nest, or a young rabbit that looks abandoned. There are several important things to consider in these situations. Please read the information that follows, so that you can determine whether the animal needs help, or whether it is exhibiting normal behavior:

An animal requires immediate help if:

It is bleeding profusely.
It is unconscious or convulsing.
It has a broken leg or wing.
It has collapsed, or is staggering, or weak.
It has been burned.
It is entangled in fishing line, string, net, debris, etc. or its bill or muzzle is caught in a jar, container, plastic rings from canned beverages, etc.
It has a fish hook in its mouth or body.
It is stuck to a glue trap, fly paper or other sticky surface.
It has ingested oil, antifreeze or other chemicals.
It is covered with in oil, tar, etc.
Its eyes are crusted shut, or it appears to be blind.
It has been shot.
Its nest has fallen to the ground.
Its parents are known to be dead, injured or ill.
It is trapped in a vehicle or building.

Contacting A Wildlife Rehabilitator

Please Note: If a rehabber is not on this list, it's because they requested not to, or we are unaware of their licensing. (The DNR is behind on updating the list so if they don't reach out, we don't know).

People who find wild animals, particularly orphaned animals, sometimes want to care for them. We strongly discourage this practice for various reasons:

There are local, regional and federal laws that may prohibit you from having a wild animal in your possession, even while temporarily caring for it with the intention of release. Wildlife rehabilitators or care centers are permitted to keep wildlife for rehabilitation.
There are diseases that humans and pets can contract from wildlife. There are also diseases that domestic pets animals can transmit to wildlife.
Rehabilitators are trained to recognize and deal with injuries, illnesses, parasites and other conditions that may be present. They can administer appropriate medications, manage wounds, and stabilize an animal that is in shock. Not all veterinarians have experience with wild animals. A rehabilitator will know an appropriate veterinarian for consultation.
Rehabilitators and care centers have the necessary equipment, caging, and environment required by different species.
Rehabilitators are trained to care for an animal while preserving its wildness. Young birds and mammals suffer as a result of human impact. An animal that has lost its normal or innate fear of humans will not survive in the wild. Releasing a tame wild animal is signing its death sentence.

The field of wildlife rehabilitation is a discipline with its own body of literature, training and certification. In the best interests of wildlife, we urge you to have their well-being as your first priority: entrust them to the capable hands of a trained, experienced, permitted rehabilitator.

You can find your local rehabilitator by searching with the words "wildlife rehabilitator" then add your state. If you are having trouble finding someone near you try calling a local zoo, nature center, your states department of natural resources, or federal fish and wildlife services.

Species Specific Emergency

Baby Bird

Baby Rabbit

Opossum

Squirrel

Additional Information & Resources

Orphaned Wildlife

"When people find young wildlife they often jump to the conclusion that the animal or bird is orphaned and needs help. That is usually not the case. Young animals and birds are often left alone while their parents are away searching for food. Many orphaned animals that are “rescued” each year by well-meaning people were not really orphans.

If you find a baby bird or animal, do not touch or remove it unless you are absolutely sure that it is an orphan. If you are not sure if the animal is orphaned, watch it from a distance so that the parents will not be afraid to return. This might take awhile; many species only return to their young near dusk and dawn.

A young animal or bird that looks well-fed and has bright eyes and clean fur or feathers is probably not orphaned. If the animal does need help, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice."

- https://wildlifeillinois.org/get-help-for-injured-wildlife/orphaned-wildlife/

Click the link for more information on Deer, Rabbits, Birds & Squirrels

Home Care

"It is much easier to keep wildlife out than to deal with an animal that has decided to den inside or underneath your home. Regularly inspect the exterior of buildings on your property. Siding, roofing or foundation materials that have suffered weather damage or deterioration make it a lot easier for animals to gain access to your home."

-https://wildlifeillinois.org/prevent-problems/home-care/

Click on the link for more information on how to protect your home.

Temporary Care Instructions for ALL Animals

Wear gloves or use a cloth barrier when handling wildlife.
Prepare an appropriate-sized cardboard box by poking air holes in the top and placing a soft cloth (T-Shirt, towel, paper towels) in the bottom. DO NOT put the animal into a plastic bag.
Place the animal into the prepared box and tape the box shut. For injured adults, place the box on its side next to the animal and use a stick, broom, or rolled-up newspaper to gently push the animal into the box.
Do not give the animal any food or liquids. Feeding an animal an incorrect diet can result in injury or death. In addition, rescued animals can get wet from liquids and become hypothermic and/or spill food on their fur/feathers, potentially causing damage.
Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place. Darkness makes the animal feel more secure. If the animal is a baby, the box can be placed half on and half off a heating pad set on low. If the animal gets too warm it will move to the other end of the box. Do not place adult animals on a heating pad.
Leave the animal alone. Human noise, touch, and eye contact are very stressful to wild animals and can result in shock or even death. This is especially important in the case of injured or adult animals.
If an animal has been caught by a cat or dog, please call RRWC immediately at 815.298.1300 Even if wounds are not visible, the animal needs medical intervention as soon as possible.
Keep children and pets away. BE CAREFUL! An animal that is hurt or frightened may bite.