“Helping” Orphaned Wildlife

July 4, 2019

Question: My sister has told me about two separate incidents where young people have found young wild animals – a coyote pup and a gosling of undetermined species – and taken them home. I’m curious if you have guidelines for people who find themselves in this situation, i.e. coming across young wildlife that appear to be without parents. Are there regulations governing the keeping of wild young? I always direct people to contact their local wildlife rescue organization. (Terriann)

Answer: CDFW strongly discourages anyone from picking up young wildlife that they perceive to be orphaned. Often, the mother is foraging for food and will return. You are correct to refer these individuals to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation organization. A list of authorized wildlife rehabilitators can be found on CDFW’s website. These organizations operate under an agreement with CDFW to take in and treat injured, sick or orphaned wildlife.

It is NOT legal for an untrained, unauthorized private citizen to possess naturally occurring, wild mammals or birds. For more information, please visit CDFW’s Keep Me Wild program webpage.

Lindsey wildlife in Pleasant Hill could be a resource.

Hojoman, wake up and smell the copy/reply paste!

Hojoman, wake up and smell the copy/reply paste!

Ok, smartass, you want to take over posting Q&A's here? FYI, if it's any business of yours, I am recovering from severe sprains of the neck muscles. Kinda hard to concentrate on the task on hand with muscle spasms ocurring without warning. Oh! I forget! You're in Oregon where there is no Q&A for your state. 

Hojoman, wake up and smell the copy/reply paste!

Ok, smartass, you want to take over posting Q&A's here? FYI, if it's any business of yours, I am recovering from severe sprains of the neck muscles. Kinda hard to concentrate on the task on hand with muscle spasms ocurring without warning. Oh! I forget! You're in Oregon where there is no Q&A for your state. 

Your absolute right that’s why I handle the Oregon Q&A so easily! Worst part is 30 years ago you didn’t have questions that where, shall we say, simple to answer with common sense. But keep up the good job, and I’ll poke you again if I see ya slip.

Native Animal Rescue is here for the 831 folks
https://www.nativeanimalrescue.org/