Wildlife
Call before you intervene!
(419) 294-4477
Don't feed or handle wildlife unless instructed by an expert like WCHS.
Not all wildlife need to be rescued. More often than not the best thing you can do is leave wild animals alone. Call before you bring an animal or intervene in any way.
Consult WCHS or another expert before doing anything. By calling, experts can help determine whether or not the animal needs assistance & explain the best course of action you can take. Your county wildlife officer, district office or a local rehabilitator may be able to help.
WCHS takes in almost any species of orphaned or injured wildlife, rehabilitating them whenever possible. We are licensed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Division of Wildlife and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Sadly, we aren't currently rehabilitating raccoons. Call before you bring any animals to WCHS.
If the animal has an open wound or other apparent injury, call a professional immediately. Do not touch or feed them unless instructed by an expert like your county wildlife officer, district office or WCHS (419) 294-4477.
A strange-acting animal doesn't mean there's a problem. They might seem hostile or aggressive because they're protecting a nearby nest.
Baby animals are often left alone in the wild. It's normal to see them unattended by parents.
Fledgling birds found on the ground should be left alone.
Young rabbits with eyes open & ears up are old enough to leave the nest.
Mother rabbits usually only feed babies at dusk & dawn, leaving the nest alone during other times of day. To be sure mother is returning you can lay pieces of string in a crisscross pattern over the opening of a nest & check back later to see if it's been disturbed.
It's a myth that a mother will reject her babies if touched by a human. Regardless, avoid handling baby wildlife for their safety & yours. Even tiny babies will bite & can transmit diseases, parasites & germs.
"Nuisance" Wildlife
Have you found a wild animal somewhere they shouldn't be like inside your home, car or garage?
It's illegal to trap or move "nuisance" wildlife in Ohio.
For guidance contact your county wildlife officer, district office or WCHS (419) 294-4477.
You can usually just let them be and they'll leave on their own. If you want to speed up the process, noise & bright lights can help chase them off.
If a wild animal is in your home, you have a bigger problem— the cracks or holes that allowed them inside. Find & fix the real issue ASAP or you'll be sure to have more unwelcome visitors. Some animals can fit through spaces no bigger than a dime.
