What do I do if I have found an Adult Mammal...

The Schuylkill Center Wildlife Clinic cannot admit deer, raccoons, foxes, groundhogs, bats, coyotes, or skunks. If you need assistance with one of these species, we can direct you to the appropriate facility, or check the PA Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators website for other options in your area: PAWR.com

  • That has been injured?

    Call your nearest Wildlife Rehabilitator for specific instructions on how to handle the animal's particular circumstances. Do not attempt to approach or handle an injured animal until you have spoken with a wildlife rehabilitator. Remember that adult animals in particular will see you as a threat even if you mean to help, and can be very aggressive when they feel threatened. Animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, groundhogs and foxes are also all potential carriers of rabies, so caution is critical. Once a wildlife rehabilitator gives you the go-ahead to catch and transport an injured animal, be sure to avoid direct contact with the animal by wearing thick gloves and never try to feed or water the animal unless you have been specifically told to do so.

  • Behaving strangely?

    One common 'strange' behavior is for a normally nocturnal animal to be out in daylight. This is not necessarily unusual and does not always signal that the animal is sick or diseased. If the animal looks otherwise normal and seems to be purposefully going about its business, it is probably ok and should ideally be left alone to continue its activities. Nocturnal means the period of greatest activity, not exclusive activity. Be sure that domestic pets are fed indoors and garbage is tightly sealed to ensure wild animals will keep a safe distance from your house.

    If, on the other hand, the animal seems dazed, confused, glassy-eyed, stumbling, overly aggressive or overly friendly, there is a problem. Keep pets and children in the house and contact your local animal control officer, game commission, or wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.

A mammal should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator for immediate assistance if...

DO NOT attempt capture until you speak to a Wildlife Rehabilitator

  • It is staggering, collapsed, unconscious, or convulsing
  • Its eyes are crusty, glassy and/or appear unable to see
  • It is bleeding or has a broken limb
  • It has been attacked by a dog or cat
  • It is caught or entangled in debris
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