Found an Animal? Use the Following Information to Successfully Help a Wild Animal in Need Commonwealth of Virginia Laws It is illegal to possess any wild animal unless you are properly licensed When Does An Animal Help Need Your 1 Are you sure this baby is orphaned? Deceased adult nearby Reuniting has failed 2 Is the Animal Sick or Distressed? Eyes or nose discharge Calling out/crying Cold to the touch Lethargic Covered in bugs or eggs (white rice-like) 3 Is the Animal Injured? Been in cat or dog's mouth Hit by car Bleeding Moving oddly 4 Is the Animal in Immediate Danger? Caught in netting Being kept as a pet Stalked by cat Too close to cars Quick Tips Baby Bunny? Check out this flowchart Do not leave a baby if you cannot find the nest. Mom will never find them outside of her nest. Hairless baby mammal? While trying to reunite, play a video of the species’ crying baby sounds to attract mom’s attention. Check out this flowchart if you're not sure what kind of animal you have Always try to reunite but be careful not to leave in direct sunlight or in the cold and do not leave out overnight. Fawn? It is completely normal to find fawns sitting alone during the day while mom is out foraging. Be careful to avoid kidnapping! We do not work with fawns/deer. If you need more help, search VDWR to find a licensed rehabilitator nearby Baby Bird Hopping on Ground? Take a picture of the area and come back in an hour. If you find fresh poop, mom and dad are nearby and no help is needed. Birds require a special permit with both the state and the federal government. If you need more help, search VDWR for a licensed rehabilitator nearby Additional Resources What-To-Do Flowcharts by Species Blue Ridge Wildlife CenterWildlife Center of VirginiaAnimal Education and Rescue Organization (AERO)