What is Wildlife Rehabilitation?
Wildlife rehabilitation is the process of caring for injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals with the intentions of releasing them back into their natural habitat when they are able to survive on their own. Permits are required from the Ohio Division of Wildlife to rehabilitate any native wild animals. For more information, visit http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/
I’ve found a wild animal, what should I do?
Do they really need your help?
Too often, wildlife is taken from their native habitat when it’s not in the animals best interest. The parents are often away hunting or gathering food and return to an empty nest. For example, mother rabbits usually only visit the nest once, twice, maybe three times per day.
Take some time and observe the situation before you act. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife officer. If the animal is obviously injured, contact a professional as soon as possible.
What should I do if wildlife is invading my space?
People and wildlife can peacefully coexist in most situations. However, there may be times when conflicts do arise. There are many humane ways to remove wildlife.
Try these tips from Scram Wildlife and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.