If you are unsure whether wildlife needs help, you can contact the National Wildlife Centre’s wildlife hotline at (416) 577-4372 for guidance.
First: Pause and Observe
Wildlife that appears alone is not always sick, injured or orphaned. For example: Baby rabbits are often found alone in shallow nests, with mothers returning only once or twice a day to feed. Young squirrels may be seen on the ground as they begin to explore, with a parent often nearby. Robins and other songbirds commonly leave the nest before they can fly well (called fledglings) and may spend a few days hopping on the ground while parents continue to watch and feed them. If the animal is alert and not visibly injured, intervention may not be needed.
When to Call for Help
Visible injuries such as bleeding or limping, difficulty standing or moving, circling behaviour, or signs that the animal may have been hit by a vehicle, collided with a window, or if the animal was in the mouth of a cat or dog are all reasons to call. Do not feed injured wildlife or allow pets or children to approach the animal, as this could cause serious harm and distress.
When in doubt, contacting the National Wildlife Centre’s wildlife hotline at (416) 577-4372 is always the right first step. You can also visit our website at www.nationalwildlifecentre.ca.
