WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A WILD ANIMAL
BIRDS (for Loons, see below)
If you find an injured bird in New Hampshire, the best way to help while waiting for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is to minimize stress and keep the bird safe and quiet. Gently place the bird in a small, ventilated box lined with a soft towel and cover the box loosely to keep it dark, warm, and calm. Avoid feeding or giving water, as this can cause harm if the bird is in shock or has internal injuries. Keep the box in a protected area (garage, breezeway, basement), away from pets, noise, and drafts. Do not attempt to handle or treat the bird further.
Contact a licensed New Hampshire wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible by calling the NH Fish and Game Department’s Wildlife Division at 603-271-2461 or visiting https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/rehabilitators for a list of currently licensed rehabilitators. Please note that some rehabilitators are not actively taking in new animals.
LOONS
The Loon Preservation Committee rescues loons that are in distress in New Hampshire. You can report loons in distress by submitting their online reporting form at any time or by calling 603-476-5666. Please note that if you report by phone, you must call during their business hours.
Please include the following key pieces of information in your report:
- The location of the loon—please be as specific as possible. If the loon is on land, please provide the nearest house number or another landmark that will help locate it. If the loon is in the water, please provide landmarks such as the name of a cove or island that it is in or near.
- The loon’s behavior: what is the loon doing? What is making you think that it is in distress?
- For tangled loons: Do you see fishing line on the loon? If so, is the line wrapped around the loon’s bill, or is it on another part of the loon’s body? Does the loon seem to be able to dive?
- A picture (or video) is worth a thousand words! When possible, please include a photo or video of the loon in your report. This helps them to better evaluate the situation and develop a rescue plan.
SMALL MAMMALS
If you find an injured small mammal in New Hampshire—such as a squirrel, chipmunk, rabbit, or raccoon—use caution, as all wild mammals can bite when frightened and some may carry rabies. Do not touch the animal directly. Instead, wear thick gloves or use a towel or shovel to gently place it in a secure, ventilated box lined with a soft towel. Keep the box in a quiet, dark place away from people and pets. Never attempt to feed, give water, or treat the animal, and avoid handling it unnecessarily.
If the animal is a raccoon, skunk, bat, or fox, do not attempt to handle it at all, as these species have a higher risk of rabies transmission—contact your local animal control (usually associated with the local police department) or the NH Fish and Game Department 603-271-2461 immediately.
For other small mammals, contact a licensed New Hampshire wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible by calling the NH Fish and Game Department’s Wildlife Division 603-271-2461 or visiting https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/rehabilitators for a list of currently licensed rehabilitators. Please note that some rehabilitators are not actively taking in new animals.
LARGE MAMMALS
Orphaned deer, moose and bear should be referred directly to the NH Fish and Game Department. 603-271-2461.
TURTLES
If you find an injured turtle, please refer to this NH Fish and Game Department web page.