Small Mammals:
Opossum Joeys
Mother opossums do not return for babies that become separated from them. If you find a baby opossum alone, safely contain it, keep it warm, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Do not feed the baby. Opossum joeys nurse through a specialized feeding method and cannot safely drink from a bottle.
If you find a deceased adult opossum, always check the pouch for babies. If joeys are present, transport the mother with the babies still attached to a licensed rehabilitator. Do not attempt to remove the babies or cut the umbilical attachments. The rehabilitator will safely separate them.
Baby Rabbits (Cottontails)
Mother rabbits visit their nests only twice each day—typically just before dawn and around dusk—to nurse their babies. This helps avoid attracting predators. Not seeing the mother does not mean the babies have been abandoned.
If the nest has been destroyed or the babies are clearly displaced, gently place them in a small box lined with soft material and keep them warm by placing a heating pad set on LOW underneath half of the box.
Do not feed them. Do not offer milk, water, or food.
Baby rabbits are extremely sensitive to stress and can die from the stress of excessive handling. Once contained, leave them undisturbed and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Do not attempt to build a new nest or move an existing nest. Even moving the nest a short distance may prevent the mother from finding it again.
Baby rabbits begin leaving the nest and exploring at approximately 2–3 weeks of age. If they are in your yard, keep dogs leashed and give the babies space. They will usually move on within a few days.
If you need to protect a nest from dogs, an upside-down plastic laundry basket with a small opening cut into the side can provide a temporary barrier while still allowing the mother and babies to enter and exit.
Baby Squirrels
Mother squirrels often maintain multiple nests and may move their babies from one nest to another. They carry each baby individually by the scruff of the neck.
If a baby squirrel has fallen from the nest but appears uninjured, reunification should be attempted whenever possible. Place the baby in a small box lined with soft cloth or grass near the base of the tree where it was found and watch from a distance for up to 4 hours. If cats or other predators are nearby, secure the box in a tree or on top of a sturdy shrub. Mother squirrels are attentive and will usually retrieve their babies if they are able.
Do not attempt reunification after dark. Mother squirrels do not retrieve babies at night.
If the baby feels cold to the touch, bring it indoors immediately and place it in a box with a heating pad set on LOW underneath half of the box until you can speak with a rehabilitator.
Do not feed the baby. Baby squirrels aspirate very easily, and improper feeding can be fatal.
If the mother does not return or the squirrel has visible injuries, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you find a juvenile squirrel approaching people or following you, it is likely in distress and should be evaluated by a rehabilitator.
Groundhogs
If you find an injured or orphaned groundhog, place it in a secure, well-ventilated box, keep it warm and quiet, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Do not feed the animal or offer food or water unless instructed to do so by a licensed rehabilitator.
Large Mammals
Fawns
It is completely normal for a mother deer to leave her fawn alone for long periods during the day while she grazes nearby. Fawns are often found near homes, roads, businesses, and other places that may seem unusual to us, but mother deer carefully choose these locations and are rarely far away. In many cases, she will return to nurse her baby several times a day and may leave it in the same spot for multiple days.
Please do not pick up, move, or intervene with a fawn unless you are certain it is injured or its mother is deceased. If you are unsure, contact a licensed fawn rehabilitator for guidance before approaching the animal.
Do not feed a fawn any type of milk or formula, regardless of advice you may find online. An improper diet can quickly become life-threatening.
Keep children and pets away from the fawn. Fawns are extremely susceptible to stress, and handling or disturbing them can do more harm than good. They may also carry fleas, ticks, or mites that can transfer to people or pets.
Please do not "rescue" a fawn simply because it is raining, hot outside, or because predators may be nearby. Deer have successfully raised their young outdoors for thousands of years, and healthy fawns belong with their mothers whenever possible. There are simply not enough licensed rehabilitators to raise every healthy fawn that is mistakenly removed from the wild.
When should you be concerned? Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if the fawn is wandering and crying continuously during the day, lying on its side with its legs extended, has visible injuries, is found next to its deceased mother, or is panting or having difficulty breathing. If any of these signs are present, call for guidance before approaching or moving the animal.
Important: It is illegal to possess or rehabilitate wildlife in Georgia without the appropriate state permits. Although people often have good intentions, attempting to raise a fawn almost always results in the animal becoming habituated to humans, making it unable to survive in the wild and greatly reducing its chances of living a normal life.
Adult Deer
Unfortunately, adult deer are frequently injured after being struck by vehicles, becoming entangled in fences, hammocks, sports netting, and other man-made hazards.
If a deer has been hit by a vehicle, it may simply be in shock and recover after some time. However, if the deer is attempting to stand but has obvious catastrophic injuries—such as multiple broken legs, a broken back, or severe trauma—it cannot be rehabilitated. In these situations, contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Ranger Hotline or your local law enforcement agency so the animal can be humanely euthanized.
If a deer is caught in a fence, first determine whether it is merely trapped or has been impaled or severely injured. A deer with only a leg or hoof caught may be able to be safely freed, but these situations require extreme caution. Deer are incredibly strong, and the stress of capture can cause a potentially fatal condition known as capture myopathy. Before attempting a rescue, contact us or the DNR for guidance whenever possible.
If an adult deer has an injured or broken leg but is still able to stand and walk, and there is no exposed bone or other catastrophic injury, the best course of action is often to leave it alone. Adult deer cannot typically be captured and rehabilitated successfully, and many adapt remarkably well to living on three legs. If the injury is recent and the deer remains near your property, you may leave fresh water nearby while it recovers. Injured deer often stay close to homes for a few days because predators are less likely to approach populated areas.
Many people ask why injured deer cannot simply be tranquilized. In reality, tranquilizer darts are rarely a safe or practical option. Most tranquilizers take several minutes to take effect, during which time a frightened deer can run a great distance, enter roadways, or become impossible to locate before the medication fully works. The same risks exist as the deer awakens, making chemical immobilization appropriate only in very limited situations.
Bears
Never feed bears. Bears can remember reliable food sources for many years, and intentionally or unintentionally feeding them teaches them to associate people with food. This often brings bears into neighborhoods and increases the likelihood of dangerous encounters. In Georgia, nuisance bears are generally not relocated, and bears that become a threat to public safety are often euthanized. The saying, "A fed bear is a dead bear," exists for a reason.
Georgia's black bear cubs are typically born in late January through early February. If you encounter a cub by itself, leave the area immediately. Mother bears often place ("tree") their cubs in a safe location while they investigate a perceived threat and will return once they feel it is safe. Never approach, handle, or attempt to rescue a bear cub, as the mother is usually nearby and highly protective. If you believe a bear or cub is injured or truly orphaned, contact the Georgia DNR immediately for guidance.
Birds
Songbirds – Nestlings
It is a common myth that parent birds will abandon their babies if a person touches them. This is not true.
If you find a featherless or sparsely feathered baby bird (a nestling) that has fallen from its nest, try to locate the nest and gently place the baby back inside. If you cannot find the original nest, you can make a temporary nest using a small plastic berry or hanging plant basket lined with paper towels or dry grass and secure it to a nearby branch as close to the original nesting site as possible. If you notice droppings around the edge of the nest, it is a good sign that the parents are returning to care for the baby.
If the baby feels cold to the touch, warm it first by placing it in a small box with a heating pad set on LOW underneath half of the box before attempting reunification.
Do not feed. Baby birds aspirate very easily, and different species require specialized diets. Offering food or water can do more harm than good.
Songbirds – Fledglings
A fully feathered young bird found on the ground is usually a fledgling. This is a normal stage of development when young birds leave the nest before they are strong fliers. They spend several days on the ground hopping, climbing, and practicing flight while their parents continue feeding and protecting them.
If you place a fledgling back in the nest and it hops back out, leave it alone. This is normal behavior.
Although you may not see the parents, they are almost always nearby. They often wait until people move away before returning to feed their young.
Please do not "rescue" healthy fledglings simply because they are on the ground. While predators such as cats, hawks, and snakes are a natural part of life, a healthy fledgling has its best chance of survival with its parents. If the bird appears injured, weak, or is being attacked, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Adult Songbirds
Adult songbirds occasionally collide with windows and may be stunned or temporarily unconscious. If you find a bird after a window strike, place it in a quiet, ventilated box and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. Even if the bird later flies away, it may have suffered internal injuries or a concussion.
Any bird that has been caught by a cat needs immediate medical attention, even if no injuries are visible. Cat saliva contains bacteria that are often fatal to wildlife without prompt antibiotic treatment.
If a bird becomes trapped inside your home, patio, garage, or office, open exterior doors or windows whenever possible, turn off indoor lights, and allow the bird an opportunity to fly out on its own.
Birds of Prey (Owls, Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Osprey & Vultures)
Birds of prey are federally protected and should be handled only when absolutely necessary.
If you find a baby raptor on the ground that is not fully feathered, reunification with its parents should always be the first goal. Do not feed the baby. If you cannot locate the nest, contact us for guidance. We can provide instructions for building a temporary nest and placing it where the parents can continue caring for their young. Do not remove the baby unless you have been instructed to do so by a licensed wildlife professional.
If you find a fully feathered young raptor on the ground, it is likely a fledgling learning to fly. Its parents are usually nearby and continue feeding and protecting it. Unless the bird is visibly injured or in immediate danger, it should be left alone. If you are unsure, contact us before intervening.
If you find an injured adult bird of prey that cannot fly, safely contain it if possible. Even grounded raptors can run surprisingly fast and camouflage themselves well, making them difficult to relocate if they move away.
To safely contain a bird of prey:
Before approaching, gather a well-ventilated cardboard box, a rolled towel or T-shirt to place in the bottom of the box, thick leather gloves, and a lightweight towel, blanket, or fitted sheet.
While wearing gloves, gently cover the bird with the towel, making sure the head is covered to help keep it calm. Keep the wings folded naturally against the body and always keep your hands above the talons, avoiding direct contact with the feet. Carefully place the bird into the box and close it immediately. Cardboard boxes are preferred; wire crates should be avoided because birds can damage their wings trying to escape.
Do not offer food or water. An injured bird may have airway injuries or require specialized care, and improper feeding can be fatal.
If you believe you have found an injured bald eagle, please send us a photo for identification before attempting to contain it so we can provide the safest guidance.
Ducks & Geese (Canada Geese & wild ducks are federally protected.)
One of the most common conditions seen in ducks and geese is angel wing, a deformity in which one or both wings twist outward, causing the feathers to stick out abnormally. This condition is most often caused by an improper diet, particularly one high in bread and other processed foods fed by people. Unfortunately, angel wing cannot be corrected in adult birds. If the bird is otherwise healthy and able to walk, swim, and find food, the best option is usually to leave it alone. Because there is no effective treatment, the only alternative is humane euthanasia, so we prefer to allow these birds to continue living if they are still able to function well. Please never feed bread to ducks or geese. If you would like to feed waterfowl, offer appropriate foods such as waterfowl pellets, chopped leafy greens, peas, corn, or oats instead.
The second most common problem we see is fishing line and fishing hooks embedded in wings, feet, beaks, or other parts of the body. If the bird is still able to fly, it can be extremely difficult to capture and often requires multiple volunteers, specialized equipment, or even a kayak. If you are able to safely contain the bird, do so and then contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Do not attempt to remove an embedded hook yourself, as doing so can cause additional damage.
If a duck or goose has an injured foot or is missing a leg but is still able to walk, swim, fly, and obtain food, it is often best to leave the bird where it is. Waterfowl can adapt remarkably well to these types of injuries, and because there are very limited treatment options for permanent limb injuries, capture may ultimately result in euthanasia. Whenever possible, we prefer to allow these birds to continue living naturally if they are still able to function successfully.
Great Blue Herons / Egrets
Herons are frequently injured by fishing line and hooks caught on wings, legs, or in the mouth. If a heron is still able to fly, it is typically not possible to capture it safely, and in many cases rescue is only feasible once the bird is grounded and unable to escape.
If you encounter a grounded heron that appears injured and you are attempting containment, use extreme caution. Wear leather gloves and protective eyewear or goggles, as herons may strike toward the face and eyes with their sharp bills when stressed. The safest approach is to control the head first, keeping the beak secured, then gently support the body and place the bird into a large, well-ventilated box for transport. Always contact a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible for further instruction.
For additional guidance on safely assisting herons, you can refer to: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/maine-heron-observation-network/how-help-injured-heron-safely
Raccoon Kits
Mother raccoons will return for their young if they are able. If you are certain the babies are orphaned, contact a licensed RVS wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
Do not handle without gloves. Raccoons are a rabies vector species, and any bite or scratch can require expensive medical treatment, including rabies prophylaxis.
Fox Kits
Foxes often maintain multiple den sites and may move their young between locations such as wooded areas, under sheds, or within brush and woodpiles. Mothers may also leave kits alone during the day while they hunt or allow them to begin exploring as they grow. This behavior does not necessarily indicate abandonment.
Please do not intervene unless you are certain the kits are orphaned. If you are unsure, contact us for guidance before taking any action.
Foxes are also a rabies vector species. Do not handle without gloves.
It is a common myth that foxes seen during daylight hours are sick with rabies. In reality, foxes are active hunters of mice, squirrels, and rabbits—many of which are also active during the day.
Adult Foxes & Coyotes (Mange)
We are not able to trap or treat foxes or coyotes affected by mange. If you would like to help support treatment efforts, please refer to: Mange Treatment resources.
Adult Raccoons
Raccoons are commonly seen near roads or in residential areas and are often mistaken as injured after being hit by a vehicle. They may appear disoriented, walk in circles, or curl up in unusual positions. While injury is possible, these same symptoms can also be associated with serious diseases such as distemper or rabies.
For this reason, never approach an adult raccoon. If possible, safely record a video and text it to us so we can help assess the situation and provide guidance. Keep all pets and people away from the animal. In some cases, the appropriate response will be to contact the Georgia DNR or local authorities.
Bats
If you find a bat on the ground, use thick gloves and a towel or blanket to carefully pick it up and place it as high as safely possible on a tree branch or elevated surface. Bats cannot take off from the ground and need height to launch into flight.
If the bat appears injured or unable to fly, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator that specializes in bats. Bats are a rabies vector species, so extreme caution is required whenever handling or near contact is necessary.
Skunks
If you find an injured or orphaned skunk, do not handle without gloves. Skunks are a rabies vector species and will also spray when stressed or threatened.
Contact a licensed RVS wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Snakes
It is illegal in Georgia to kill non-venomous snakes.
If you are unsure what type of snake you are seeing, take a photo and send it to us or post in a reputable identification group such as “What kind of snake is this? Georgia” for assistance. Please do not kill the snake and then attempt identification afterward—most snakes that are killed are later found to have been harmless and beneficial.
Snake bites most often occur when people attempt to kill or handle them. If left alone, most snakes will move on quickly. Whether venomous or non-venomous, all snakes play an important role in the ecosystem.
If a snake is in a structure such as a yard, garage, or shed and needs to be moved, you may gently encourage it to leave using a garden hose or by creating disturbance from a safe distance. Snakes are typically following a food source; if one is present, there are likely rodents or other prey nearby.
If a snake is found entangled in garden netting, contact us immediately. If safe to do so, you may carefully cut out the section of netting surrounding the snake and place both the snake and netting into a secure container for transport, ensuring the animal is not further injured.
If a snake is found on a glue trap, do not leave it to suffer. Prolonged entrapment can result in a slow, inhumane death. Snakes can often be safely removed by trained professionals—please contact a rehabilitator for assistance, even if you are uncomfortable with snakes.
Turtles
Why did the turtle cross the road? To get to the other side.
If you find an uninjured turtle crossing a road, please place it safely on the side of the road in the same direction it was heading and leave it alone. Do not relocate it elsewhere; most turtles live their entire lives within about a one-mile range and rely on familiar habitat.
If a turtle has been struck by a vehicle, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Turtles can survive for extended periods even with serious injuries, and many injuries are not immediately visible, so prompt evaluation is important.
If you encounter a snapping turtle, use extreme caution. Never pick up a snapping turtle by the tail, as this can cause serious spinal injury. If the turtle only needs help crossing the road, a vehicle floor mat can be slid gently under the rear of the shell and used to drag it safely to the side in the direction it was already traveling. If lifting is necessary, only handle the back edges of the shell and keep hands away from the head, as they can strike very quickly. If the turtle is injured, wear thick gloves and place it into a well-ventilated container for transport.
Turtles, including snapping turtles, lay eggs from early summer through August. If you encounter a nesting female, please give her space and do not disturb her. She may remain in place for several hours while laying and covering her nest, then leave on her own. Temporary lethargy after nesting can be normal. You may place a shallow water dish nearby if needed, but avoid close contact.
Once nesting is complete, the female does not return to the nest.
Eggs typically hatch in 2–3 months depending on the species. Hatchlings emerge and disperse in different directions to begin their lives. Please do not disturb nests or hatchling emergence sites.
Cat Caught Wildlife
Any wild animal that has been caught in a cat's mouth should be taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately, even if no injuries are visible. Cat saliva contains bacteria that are highly toxic to wildlife, and what appears to be a minor scratch, or no visible wound at all, can quickly become a life-threatening infection. Birds, rabbits, chipmunks, opossums, squirrels, and many other small wild animals require prompt treatment with antibiotics to have the best chance of survival after a cat attack.
While we understand that hunting is a natural instinct for cats, keeping pet cats indoors is the safest choice for both wildlife and your cat. Indoor cats are protected from traffic, predators, disease, and other hazards, while also preventing injuries to native wildlife.
Glue Traps
Glue traps often catch far more than their intended targets. Birds, snakes, rabbits, lizards, and even birds of prey frequently become trapped, sometimes in a chain reaction—for example, a lizard becomes stuck, then a bird attempting to catch it becomes trapped as well. Glue traps are among the most inhumane pest control methods available. Animals can suffer for days from shock, dehydration, and starvation, and some even chew off their own limbs in desperate attempts to escape. Please avoid using glue traps, and ask your pest control company not to use them on your property. If you find wildlife stuck on a glue trap, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to pull the animal free, as doing so can cause severe skin and feather injuries.
Other
Beavers, coyotes, armadillos, otters, bobcats, alligators...oh my!
There are simply too many wildlife species to cover in detail. Regardless of the species, our goal is always the same: if a baby animal is uninjured, we want to reunite it with its mother whenever possible. Wildlife babies have the greatest chance of survival when they are raised by their own parents.
Wildlife rehabilitation is also incredibly time-consuming and expensive, and many licensed rehabilitators reach capacity early in the busy baby season. Keeping healthy babies with their parents whenever possible helps ensure that limited rehabilitation resources remain available for animals that truly need them.
We've provided guidance for the species we receive calls about most often. If you need assistance with a species that isn't covered here, please use the Chat feature in the bottom-right corner of this page to speak with a live volunteer, or text us at 678-827-5496 for assistance.
GWN Transport
If you are advised that an animal needs to be taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, we ask that you make every effort to transport the animal as soon as possible. If you're unable to make the trip yourself, consider asking a family member, friend, neighbor, or using a pet-friendly rideshare service. A little creativity can go a long way.
Georgia Wildlife Network is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Our transport volunteers donate their personal time, cover their own fuel costs, and use their own vehicles simply because they care about Georgia's wildlife. Unfortunately, there are far more animals in need than there are volunteers available to transport them.
While we will always do our best to help coordinate transportation when possible, locating an available volunteer can take hours, and in many wildlife emergencies, every minute matters. Your willingness to transport an animal yourself can make a significant difference in its chance of survival.
Thank you for caring about Georgia's wildlife and for being part of the effort to give these animals the best possible chance.