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DO NOT!
WAIT to transport. If you aren’t available for transport right away, enlist a friend to help.
OFFER food or fluid. This can kill the animal and cause aspiration.
ADMINISTER medical treatment. Less is more when transporting wildlife for care.
HANDLE the animal. After the animal is safely contained, don’t unnecessarily handle the animal, as this causes undue stress.
Use TOWELS to line the carrier. Nails and beaks can get stuck in the loops and cause further stress or injury.
HOW TO TRANSPORT
1. APPROACH the animal with caution.
The animal does not know you are trying to help, and will likely try to escape or defend itself. Birds may try to protect themselves with their beak or talons.
2. GUARD yourself against injury.
Wear long sleeves if possible. Use a light towel or gloves to gently move the animal.
There should be minimal contact when containing the animal to minimize stress and guard against injury.
3. CONTAIN the animal.
Make sure to place the animal in a clean, dry, covered box with ventilation. Animal crates work best for larger species, but a cardboard box with adequate ventilation is also appropriate — especially for baby songbirds.
Line the box with newspaper, paper towels or a pillowcase. These will absorb any fluids and allow the animal to have better footing. DO NOT use a towel as the loops can injure some birds.
4. PROTECT the animal.
Keep the animal away from both pets and children, and resist the urge to peek inside their enclosure.
Keep the box in a warm room or atop a heating pad set on low — this is especially important for baby birds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Transport the bird to CWR or your local
wildlife rescue/rehabilitator as soon as possible.
BE AWARE
Raising a wild bird requires two to four months of intensive care, specialized diets, and expert handling—so do not attempt to feed, give water, or raise an injured or orphaned bird yourself. Well-meaning but untrained care can cause serious, often irreversible harm.
Caring for wildlife is highly regulated for this reason. It is illegal for unlicensed individuals to keep wild animals—even with the intent to release them. Even veterinarians, unless also licensed wildlife rehabilitators, may only stabilize wildlife for up to 48 hours before transferring the animal to a permitted rehabilitation center, like Carolina Waterfowl Rescue.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
When you’ve taken the time to stop, to notice, and to care—you’ve already made a difference.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit relying entirely on public donations, every animal we treat depends on the compassion of people like you. Each year, thousands of injured, orphaned, and displaced animals come through our doors, all needing care, nourishment, and a second chance.
You can be part of that impact. Choose to Feed the Flock, Sponsor a Species, or give to our Second Chance Fund—and help us continue this life-saving work.