Last week I received a call from a woman in New Jersey …

A small bird, likely a Northern Cardinal based on her description, had flown into their window and they had rescued it but couldn’t find anyone in their area to help it. Although infrequent, it is not uncommon for us to receive calls like this. Sometimes someone has found our website online or sometimes someone who used to live in this area will call looking for contacts where they are now residing. Due to some of the severe weather in the south over the past few years we have gotten several calls from people in those areas attempting to rescue animal victims of the storms.

To protect animals (and people) it is illegal to possess a wild animal without the proper permits anywhere in the United States. That is one reason why we always get back to these individuals and do everything we can to get them in contact with someone who is at least in their state who may have access to more local sources. The National and International Wildlife Rehabilitators Associations are our best source for these out-of-state contacts, but anyone would be wise to check with their state and local offices for the Departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain a more complete listing of all those individuals who are licensed to help our wild neighbors in their own states.


National Rehabilitators Associtation
http://www.nwrawildlife.org
US Fish and Wildlife Service
http://www.fws.gov/faq/rehabfaq.html

If you have a question or are concerned about a wild neighbor that may need help visit our website at http://www.helpingwildlife.org/wldlemergency/wldlresources.htm or call us from 9-5 seven days a week.

If you or someone you know would like to donate resources, skills or time to promote our online and telephone outreach efforts please contact us at donate@helpingwildlife.org