Outside it is looking beautiful right now in Minnesota. If you are the outdoorsy type, you probably love to watch the seasons change, taking to the trails or heading out on a bike ride before the snow falls. Maybe you have come across some wildlife that is injured or sick, and you feel like you should run to help them. This is when you may find yourself full of questions about what to do next.

Minnesota has several great Conservation Centers and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers that can provide information and help to injured and sick wildlife, while taking care to minimize further injury and provide safe release back into the wild.

Wildlife

So what should you do if you find injured wildlife on a trail walk or in the backyard?

  1. Observe from a safe distance – Some animals behave differently for different reasons.
  2. Do not attempt to touch the animal until you have contacted an animal rehabilitation center. They will be able to give you advice on what steps you can take.
  3. Ask yourself if it’s possible for anyone to rescue the animal. Dangerously thin ice or steep, rocky terrain may make it dangerous to attempt to help an injured animal.
  4. If the animal is able to move and it’s thrashing about, stay back. You may put yourself in harm’s way if you get too close, where you may get scratched or bitten.

For more information, check out this very helpful webpage from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/rehabilitation/injured-wildlife.html

Next time you come across injured or sick wildlife in the outdoors, remember to keep your distance, and take note of the location and any other animals in the vicinity.

Here are some contact numbers and website information as a starting point to finding out more about these special places.:
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is committed to creating a healthy, sustainable and livable Minnesota for you. We are dedicated to protecting and managing land, water, fish and wildlife — and providing access to outdoor recreation opportunites. The DNR also handles reports of poaching and infestations of non-native species. Call 651-296-6157 or 888-MINNDNR (646-6367)

Next time you come across injured or sick wildlife in the outdoors, remember to keep your distance, and take note of the location, and any other animals in the vicinity. You don’t need to risk getting hurt to help out the local animals, and oftentimes it’s better not to try and help, just letting a trapped animal work it out itself. Or, in the case of a sick animal, attempting to help may cause you to become ill yourself. It’s always safer to pause, and contact those who specialize in caring for these special animals. Remember these words: “If you care, leave it there.”