How do you know if an animal needs help?
If you have to run any kind of wildlife down to catch it, it's probably old enough to survive on its own.
Conversely, if an adult animal is easy to catch, something probably is wrong with it.
Other signs of illness or injury are an open wound or the presence of maggots.
related pages
Wildlife Emergencies
Simple Ways to Protect Wildlife
Important Rabies Information
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Wildlife Emergencies
If the mother does not return, then a home rehabilitator should be contacted. If you find an injured or displaced baby or adult mammal, do not attempt to give food or water and contact a local home rehabilitator as soon as possible. Keep the animal in a box with towels in a quiet, dark place away from people and pets. In the states of Tennessee and Georgia, all birds (from a songbird to an eagle) are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1973. No nest, eggs or bird may be moved, destroyed or harmed in any way. It is illegal in Tennessee to relocate or keep as a pet any wild animal (including raccoons which are a rabies vector species and may pose a health treat). Only licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators are able to keep wild animals for rehabilitation. LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS:
NUISANCE RACCOON OR ANY OTHER WILD ANIMAL:
SICK OR STRANGE ACTING ANIMALS:
WEST NILE VIRUS TESTING:
TRAPPED RACCOONS:
BEES:
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If you find a baby animal, it is best to locate the nest and place the baby back in or around the nest. An animal mother is the best caregiver and will return to the baby even if you have touched the baby.