"I Found a Wild Animal - What Should I Do?"
First, determine whether the animal actually needs help.
Young wildlife are often left alone while the parent is nearby or away finding food. An animal that appears alone is not necessarily orphaned.
If the animal is visibly injured, has been caught by a cat or dog, or is in immediate danger, call our wildlife hotline:
Call: (828) 633-6364 - Extension 1
Please leave a message - Our volunteers will return your call promptly.
Young wildlife are often left alone while the parent is nearby or away finding food. An animal that appears alone is not necessarily orphaned.
If the animal is visibly injured, has been caught by a cat or dog, or is in immediate danger, call our wildlife hotline:
Call: (828) 633-6364 - Extension 1
Please leave a message - Our volunteers will return your call promptly.
What kind of animal did you find?
Choose below for guidance on whether the animal needs assistance and what to do next.
Not every animal found alone needs help.
Many wild animals leave their young alone while they forage, and some species may appear injured as a defense. The flowcharts above can help you determine whether intervention is necessary.
Many wild animals leave their young alone while they forage, and some species may appear injured as a defense. The flowcharts above can help you determine whether intervention is necessary.
Still unsure what to do?
Call 828-633-6364 ext. 1. and leave a message, or email [email protected]
Need a rehabilitator closer to you?
Find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you here.
Please contact us before bringing an animal to our facility.
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife rehabilitation facility and is not open to the public.
Thank you for your understanding
Call 828-633-6364 ext. 1. and leave a message, or email [email protected]
Need a rehabilitator closer to you?
Find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you here.
Please contact us before bringing an animal to our facility.
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife rehabilitation facility and is not open to the public.
Thank you for your understanding
Can I care for the animal myself?
Please don't attempt to raise or rehabilitate wildlife yourself.
Wild animals require specialized diets, housing and medical care. Improper care- even when well intentioned- can cause permanent health or behavioral problems that may prevent an animal from being released.
Wildlife rehabilitation requires specialized training and appropriate state and/or federal permits. In North Carolina, there are legal restrictions on possessing native wildlife, and migratory birds are additionally protected under federal law.
If you've found an animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance before attempting to feed, treat, or care for it yourself.
Interested in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator? Visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for more information or contact us about getting involved!
Animals We Cannot Rehabilitate
Wildlife rehabilitators are permitted to care for specific species. Appalachian Wildlife Refuge cannot accept every wild animal found in North Carolina.
If you need help with one of the animals listed below, please contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-866-318-2401 for guidance or click here
Please don't attempt to raise or rehabilitate wildlife yourself.
Wild animals require specialized diets, housing and medical care. Improper care- even when well intentioned- can cause permanent health or behavioral problems that may prevent an animal from being released.
Wildlife rehabilitation requires specialized training and appropriate state and/or federal permits. In North Carolina, there are legal restrictions on possessing native wildlife, and migratory birds are additionally protected under federal law.
If you've found an animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance before attempting to feed, treat, or care for it yourself.
Interested in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator? Visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for more information or contact us about getting involved!
Animals We Cannot Rehabilitate
Wildlife rehabilitators are permitted to care for specific species. Appalachian Wildlife Refuge cannot accept every wild animal found in North Carolina.
If you need help with one of the animals listed below, please contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-866-318-2401 for guidance or click here
- Coyotes
- Black Bear - any age
- White-Tailed Deer - without spots
- Wild Turkey
- Feral Pigs
- Healthy adult wild animals of any species