Found Injured Wildlife?

If you find injured wildlife on or around campus, reporting it helps ensure the animal receives proper care. To prevent harm, or disease, avoid touching or moving the animal, and always prioritize your own safety.

Contact Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center:
Phone: 209-883-9414
Contact The On Campus Biologist:
Phone: 209-201-8349
Student Lead:
Phone: 310-991-5362

People commonly intervene when an animal does not actually need help. It frequently occurs with baby animals where intended rescues turn into accidental kidnapping. The absence of a mother/parent doesn't mean an animal is necessarily an orphan. Before capturing, moving, or reporting an animal, properly assess the situation, the condition of the animal, and research natural behaviors.  Examples of common kidnapping in animals are baby deer (fawn-napping) and fledgling birds learning to fly.

Hawks and owls have powerful, sharp talons and may use them defensively if they feel threatened or stressed. These talons, especially on larger raptors, can cause serious injury. For your safety, do not attempt to handle these animals. If you encounter an injured hawk or owl on campus, keep a safe distance and contact the appropriate campus or wildlife authorities for guidance on proper response.

Raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and other mammals are strong animals and may bite or scratch when they feel threatened. For your safety, do not attempt to handle them directly. If you must approach, use extreme caution, wear protective gloves, and use a towel or blanket to gently cover the animal’s eyes to reduce stress. When possible, contact campus or wildlife authorities for assistance with injured mammals.

Small or infant birds are extremely delicate and easily injured. Handle them only if absolutely necessary, and use minimal pressure, as even slight excessive force can cause serious or fatal internal injuries. Whenever possible, contact campus or wildlife authorities for guidance before intervening.

Do not feed baby raccoons, opossums, rabbits, or squirrels. These young animals require specialized formulas and specific feeding techniques, and improper feeding can cause serious injury or death. Additionally, human feeding can lead to habituation, causing wildlife to lose their natural fear of people and reducing their chances of successful release back into the wild. Always contact campus or wildlife authorities for proper guidance.

Skunks and bats should never be handled, even with gloves. Do not touch them with your bare hands under any circumstances, as they can carry rabies and other diseases that pose serious risks to human health. To keep yourself safe and to protect the animal from additional stress or harm, maintain a safe distance and immediately contact campus or wildlife authorities for professional assistance.

Stanislaus Injured Wildlife

Stanislaus Orphaned Babies

Stanislaus Nuisance Animals