If an animal of any age was found and was caught by a cat or dog, is visibly injured, or you suspect that it is ill or injured (signs include: visible bleeding, wounds, unable to walk, limping or dragging a limb, lethargic, covered in ants or flies, hanging wing, adult bird that cannot fly, etc.), please contact us at 713-468-8972 as soon as possible to determine further steps. If we are closed, follow the Temporary Care Instructions for All Animals (below) and leave a voicemail for us. We will get back to you as soon as we open.

Is that seemingly helpless baby wild animal really abandoned? In spring and summer, people frequently find baby wild animals that fall from trees or mysteriously seem to appear, and they assume the babies are orphaned. Some animal mothers leave their young alone for long time periods (deer, rabbits) while others closely supervise them (raccoons). See the Common Texas Wildlife Throughout Houston section above for typical situations involving some of our most commonly admitted species. Before intervening, please call 713-468-8972 to determine if it needs help.

DO NOT rescue wildlife and then keep (kidnap) the animal for a possible pet. State and federal laws protect nearly all wild mammals and birds. It is against the law to possess wildlife or the nests, feathers, or eggs of a bird without special permits. The animal must be turned over to HHS Wildlife Center or a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Please do not feed the animal or give it any fluids. Injured and orphaned animals are often in shock and should not have food or water by mouth. In addition, giving water or other fluids improperly can cause aspiration, pneumonia, and even kill an animal. The dietary needs of each species of wildlife are different, and it is almost impossible to duplicate their needs in captivity without special training. Rescuers often irreparably damage animals by attempting to feed wildlife using incorrect feeding techniques and/or diet.

Do not approach or attempt to touch the animal. Keep all children and pets away. Please call us at 713-468-8972, or call your local animal control immediately for further assistance.

Common terms used to describe baby birds are hatchling, nestling, and fledgling. Hatchlings are freshly hatched chicks, while nestlings are only slightly larger. Nestlings still remain in the nest and are completely dependent on the mother while she searches for food to bring them. Fledglings are large enough that they no longer fit in the nest. They can usually be found hopping around in the area their original nest was in. They can hop around for 1-3 weeks still being fed by the mother until their flight muscles are strong enough to take off. Juveniles typically look very similar to adults but often have shorter tails and are not as strong of flyers.

For more information about young birds, please see our Songbirds and Doves page

Please see our Attracting Wildlife document.

Please see our Deterring Wildlife document.

Please see our Pet Safety with Wildlife document.