• A fallen nest may easily be replaced in a tree or a damaged nest re-hung with some rope and a basket - people that see a nest on the ground tend to pull baby squirrels or birds out of it bring the babies to rehabilitators, which is not always necessary.
• A single squirrel laying on the ground that has fallen from a gutter or tree CAN be put back were it fell from.
• A baby Raccoon* sitting by a bush or tree DOESN'T always need help, mom may be near by relocating her babies and could very well come back for that one.  This is true for many animals.

Animals that have obvious injuries can be brought to a rehabilitator or a veterinarian that takes part in contributing to wildlife*.  Its always best to call an experienced re-haber to the place of the incident to avoid several problems.  Its important to keep in mind when approaching an animal that has been injured they are in pain and scared and will look at you as a predator not a friend, there's a good chance they WILL bite.  Rule #1, if it has teeth or a beak it bites!!!!  A trained, licensed rehabilitator has the equipment and knowledge to reduce the stress of the situation for both the animal and rescuer, minimizing the risk of further injury to the animal or injury to him/herself.

• An animal hit/run over by a car or lawn mower is probably in need of help (understand that many times these injuries sustained in these types of accidents are fatal).

• Wildlife attacked by domestic pets is common and these animals can usually use our help.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMENDED THAT YOU TRY TO HANDLE an adult raccoon, opossum, deer, or ANY heron or large bird of prey. Call a wildlife rehabilitator and they will do their best to send a trained person with appropriate equipment to handle the situation.

• If you must handle such an animal for its safety (e.g., it's in the middle of the road), do so with extreme caution. A heron will go straight for the eyes and can blind  you with its sharp, powerful beak; the talons of a large bird of prey can go through your hand and you might not be able to get it to let go; a raccoon, even one that looks very weak, can cause lacerations, broken fingers and maybe harboring diseases such as distemper or rabies; a deer can be very dangerous and may easily break ribs or  cause worse injuries if it kicks you.

* In NYS, Raccoons, Bats and Skunks are all part of the Rabies Virus Sector (RVS) and may only be handled by rehabilitators that hold a special license. 

* It is not true that all Veterinarians MUST take in and help wildlife.  It is costly and time consuming and many veterinary hospitals simply do not have the time and staff available to handle the amount of animals that come in during our busy seasons.