• it is a baby is near cover by itself do not assume it needs help. Many wildlife mothers (like deer) “stash” their babies while feeding. Remember: Humans stink!  If you touch it, you'll leave a scent. Babies that smell get found by predators. The only exception is if you find a baby bird that has fallen from a nest. Baby birds can safely be put back in the nest!
• it is a well-feathered young bird hoping or standing on legs. Remember: if you have to chase it down to rescue it... it does NOT need your help!
• it is a rabbit 4-5” long with eyes open, ears up and hopping around.  Remember: Eyes open, ears up - PUT IT BACK! These are teenagers that didn't listen to their mom and wandered out.  

• Obvious injury i.e. blood, broken bones or wings, cuts or swelling. Remember: Animals that are injured are in pain and will bite and scratch. 
• If it is behaving unusually e.g. too tame, convulsions, staggering, limping, sickly looking or falling over. This is especially important with birds and racoons. 
• If the animal appears thin, has poor looking fur or feathers. Squirrels and foxes often loose their fur due to mange. Sometimes its hard to know if they need help. 
• If it has been alone for 24 hours or more or predators are in the area. Remember: cats and dogs like to "play" with things they find. Keep your pets indoors for 24 hours to give the mamma a chance to find her baby. 
• If bad weather is coming or has just left the area. Baby birds and squirrels often get knocked out of trees in storms. If the weather is excessively hot/cold, get help.

Call the Northeast Kansas Wildlife hotline at 785-575-1991 or text ARC Wild at 785-288-1593. We are always happy to answer questions. Leave a clearly spoken message that includes your name, a phone number and where you are calling from. A member of our team will contact you with further instructions. While you wait...

•  DO NOT PANIC! Unless an animal is bleeding to death or you've been bitten, be patient for our call. It is not unusual for the hotline to receive 30 calls a day and answering each one takes time. If it is a dire emergency, take the animal to the nearest veterinarian to be stabilized. Have them contact us. If you have been bitten, contact your local community health organization.
• DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL! NEVER offer food to wildlife unless you are specifically instructed to do so by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (Google does not count). Wild animals require different care than domestic pets and severe dehydration can cause food to become toxic.
• IF YOU CAN SAFELY CAPTURE THE ANIMAL, place it in a clean box with a towel or shredded newspaper on the bottom. Keep it dry, quiet and warm until you can reach help. Infant wildlife are unable to regulate their body temperature and can easily die from exposure. Excessive noise (dogs barking, kids being kids) can also stress animals to death. 
• AVOID HANDLING the animal if possible. If you must touch it, wear thick gloves and use extreme caution. Just like humans, they may bite and scratch. NEVER attempt to handle skunks or raccoons! They carry rabies and other dangerous diseases and parasites! 
• PUT THE BABY BUNNY BACK! Wildlife (especially rabbits) can literally be stressed to death by excessive handling. You are a predator. If your "selfie" worth their life? Also keep in mind that wildlife have mites, ticks and lice that can spread to you, your children and your home.