What is Wildlife Rehabilitation?
Wildlife rehabilitation is the process of caring for injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals with the intention of releasing them back into their natural habitat when they are able to survive on their own.
State and/or federal permits are required to rehabilitate any native wild animals.
- For more information about wildlife rehabilitation, visit NWRA.
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 animal’s 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.
Can I keep a wild animal?
No. All native wildlife are protected by state and/or federal laws. It is illegal to keep a wild animal without a special permit.
Not only is it illegal to keep a wild animal, but it is not safe. Wild animals can be dangerous and can transmit disease. Wildlife rehabilitators have been properly trained and permitted to care for wildlife.
What is Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)?
A conflict that arises between humans and wild animals that results in a negative impact on either party. This is the primary threat to wildlife and their environment.
A few examples include animals nesting in residential dwellings, wild animals preying on livestock, wrongful wildlife tourism, and poaching.
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 solutions to balance the relationship between humans and wild animals that share common ground.
For human-wildlife conflict solutions in the United States, try these tips from Scram Wildlife and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Or visit Human-Wildlife Conflict as a resource library for global issues.
Why should I donate to Savage Hart Wildlife?
SHW is run solely on donations.
These funds allow us to help more wildlife in need by directly rehabilitating and transporting animals. Donations also support other wildlife rescue and anti-poaching organizations locally and globally.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations made directly to Savage Hart Wildlife are tax-deductible by law.
The federal tax ID number for SHW is EIN #47-3097192.
Donations are accepted via our website.