Injured Mammals

If you find a sick or injured mammal, we advise that you call your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice before trying to capture the animal. In Milwaukee County, call the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at (414) 431-6204 for help with a wild animal you have found. If you are afraid that the animal will crawl away or become further injured while you are calling for advice, you may wish to cover the animal with an empty, overturned plastic recycling bin, garbage can or box.

If you’ve found a mammal like a raccoon, Gray squirrel or opossum who looks sick or appears to have been injured, it is very important that you protect yourself from being bitten! The animal you are trying to help will not know that your intentions are good and he may bite to try to protect himself.

Cottontails rabbits almost never bite, but opossums, raccoons and squirrels will, if someone tries to pick them up. Therefore, do not handle the animal directly or even with gloved hands. It is much safer to scoop the animal into a box or cage carefully with a shovel or broom. Never put your hands near the face of a wild animal.