Some of the information below is made available courtesy Chester County's Wild Animal Care Tips.
You Found a Wild Animal, Now What?
If you suspect the animal is injured or is truly at risk, consider the "Three C's":
1. Check: Without getting too close, gather as much information as you can about the creature. Make note of where you found it and it's condition. Is it wary of humans or behaving oddly? Do you see any visible injury?
2. Call: Call a trained, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, These experts can help you decide what action to take. The following agencies are licensed by the PA Game Commission, however this list does not constitute endorsement by the County of Chester:
3. Care: Please do not care for wildlife yourself, it is against the law. To transport wildlife to a rehabilitation center, prepare a cardboard box (with a lid and air holes punched in the sides and top) or use a pet carrier with a soft, dry cloth in the bottom. Do not offer the creature food or water. Protect yourself by wearing thick gloves. To pick up the animal, cover it with a light towel and gently place it in the container. Secure the lid and put the container in a warm, dark, quiet place until it is time to transport it. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly.
Do’s and Don’ts of Wildlife Rescue
Don’t ever handle any wild animal with your bare hands
Do wear gloves or use a towel when handling an animal
Many diseases including rabies can be transmitted to humans by wild animals. If you have contained an injured, orphaned or sick wild animal, please first contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitation center. Visit www.pawr.com for locations and contact information.
Don’t kidnap that cute baby mammal or bird
Do call your local Wildlife Rehabilitator
A wildlife baby’s mother does the absolute best job in raising that baby. Leave healthy looking baby mammals or birds alone. Unless you are absolutely certain that the baby is orphaned, do not remove it from its environment before contacting a Wildlife Rehabilitator.
Don’t call a commercial animal and pest control company
Do call your local Wildlife Rehabilitator
Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator before relocating any wild animal. We can provide proven procedures using light and sound to convince a wildlife family to relocate themselves.
Other helpful tips
- Give your Windex a holiday. Birds often fly into patio doors and picture windows. Use decals, hanging plants, stained-glass decorations (even fingerprints!) to help alert feathered neighbors to glass barriers.
- Teach children to respect all wild creatures and their homes. All animals play an important role in a healthy ecosystem.
- Inspect your property before cutting grass, pruning trees, ‘weed-whacking’ and cultivating gardens. A few minutes of caution can help you avoid a sad outcome.
Dead animal on the road?
For deer (or large animal or endangered species)
All other dead animals will not be retrieved by PennDOT, PA Game Commission or the Township.
Residents are encouraged to contact private companies that offer services such as dead animal removal, carcass removal, and odor control to handle dead animals on their property.
**If you have had contact with a dead animal that you suspect may have a disease, please contact the Chester County Department of Health at 610-344-6452.
Other Helpful Animal Control Contacts:
- Keystone Herpetology, Inc - 484-525-3512 (venomous snakes)
- Wildlife in Need Emergency Response of PA, Inc. - 814-414-4224
- Southeast Region Fish and Boat Law Enforcement - 717-626-0228