Now this page mostly pertains to Wildlife but please utilize it for our Exotic Friends too.

Immediate assistance for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife is essential. Wild animals require specialized medical care and diets. Even a few hours can mean the difference between life and death, or ability to be returned to the wild. Do not attempt to care for a wild animal yourself.

If you are in the Southwest Oklahoma/North Texas area you can get assistance by contacting the S.O.A.R. described below.  No matter where you are, good sources of help include your local humane society, animal shelters, or your local veterinarian. Another good source on-line is the Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory.

If you find wildlife that you believe is in need of human assistance, call the S.O.A.R's recorded message at (580) 305-4020 (940) 642-7873 please leave message or email us.

Does This Animal Really Need Help?

Be certain the animal is injured or orphaned. Watch and wait before taking any action. With species such as deer and rabbits, the mother may be nearby. If it is a feathered young bird hopping on the ground, watch to make sure mother is around. If a bird has fallen out of a nest and you can get to the nest, pick up the bird carefully and put it in the nest (birds cannot smell you). If a bird hits a window, check it for signs of injury such as bleeding, head tilt, broken wing, etc. If it is injured, call the S.O.A.R. immediately. If it appears to only be stunned, put it in a box and wait for 2-3 hours. At the end of that time see if it will fly away. If not, call S.O.A.R..

If you handle the animal, take precautions for your safety and the animal's. Handle birds and baby mammals with a towel or lightweight jacket. Placing a towel over a bird will calm it. Watch for beaks and claws and do not attempt to handle raptors such as hawks and eagles by yourself. Birds, such as herons, with long, pointed beaks will use their beaks as spears. Birds and mammals can carry diseases or parasites which can be transmitted to humans, but in most cases safe handling techniques will prevent that. If you are handling raccoons, skunks, woodchucks (groundhogs), skunks, or bats, wear heavy gloves if possible. Never attempt to capture an adult sick or injured mammal. Contact the S.O.A.R. for advice.

Place the animal or bird in an appropriately-sized cardboard box with padding inside (multi-layers of white paper towels, or a soft towel or washcloth without holes or strings) and air holes for ventilation. Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet place until ready to transport to a rehabilitator. DO NOT give any food or water as the animal could drown, die from shock, or have problems with the wrong food. Keep all wild animals away from children and family pets.

If you are not certain what to do, call the S.O.A.R at: (580) 305-4020 (940) 642-7873 please leave message or email us for further instructions. These phone number serves Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas.