• If there are no injuries, leave it alone; watch for up to an hour to see if any adults return to the area.
• If on a roadway or walkway, it can be safely moved 10-20 feet; watch for adults.
• If you see a dead adult or siblings — the bird needs care. Contact nearest licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Nestlings (no or sparse feathering) — return to nest unless signs of injury. If nest is damaged, make simple substitute and replace as near as possible to original site. Watch for adults.
• Fledglings (mostly feathered) — these birds are out of the nest and learning to fly, a process which takes between several hours for small birds, up to 10 days for young crows. First watch from a distance for up to an hour to see if an adult returns; the parents usually are off finding food and leave for varying periods of time.
• If no adults are seen or there are obvious injuries, the bird will require care. Place in a covered, ventilated box on paper toweling, in a warm place. DO NOT FEED. Call a rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Adult birds

• Birds that are injured or oiled can be picked up by covering with a towel or light jacket. Place in a covered, ventilated container in a warm place. Get animal to a care. Please DO NOT FEED the bird, or, if oiled, DO NOT WASH it.
• For adult birds of prey, use gloves in handling and cover the head to minimise movement.

MAMMALS

Juveniles

• Young mammals are left alone for often lengthy periods of time, however, the mother often is nearby. Wild rabbits, for example, only return to their young twice in 24 hours!
• Young mammals have little scent, to protect them from detection by predators.
• If you find an apparently orphaned mammal that does not appear injured or ill, leave it alone. DO NOT HANDLE. Return in several hours or even overnight. Usually the young will have been moved.
• If not, what is the overall condition? Do they appear dehydrated? Soiled with feces? Crying out? If they appear well fed and alert, leave alone. If not, get into safe, covered container and get to a care centre.
• Young mammals require special milk for their species. Substitutions cause severe diarrhea. DO NOT FEED.

Adult mammals

• Same criteria as above. Adult wild animals are likely to be quite aggressive if handled. Wear gloves and cover with a blanket, then put in a sturdy ventilated container and keep in a warm place until they can be taken to a care centre.
• If bitten, treat the bite promptly and seek first-aid in order to prevent infection or possibly rabies.
• DO NOT FEED.

Reptiles and amphibians can also become victims of vehicle impacts, domestic animal attacks, and other human factors, but their injuries may not be as obvious. It is important that they also receive treatment.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO TREAT OR RAISE WILDLIFE! Keeping wildlife in captivity is illegal unless you have government permits. For information on how you can become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, contact your provincial regional office and check out WRNBC internship and volunteer opportunities.