When you come across an injured raptor in nature, you may feel compassion and want to help it. The following guidelines are for your and the bird's protection.
- Always contact a professional, do not attempt to rehabilitate the bird on your own. If you are unsure of who to notify, contact The Raptor Center at (612)624-4745. Other agencies are:
--The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
--The DNR (Department of Natural Resources)
--The Game, Fish and Parks Department
--Your local sheriff's office
- Never feed an injured bird. Their dietary needs are delicately balanced. Also, most injured birds are suffering from dehydration. Attempting to feed or water an injured bird may kill it; it probably can't digest food or water.
- Handle wild birds only if absolutely necessary. The less contact you have with the bird, the more likely it will survive.
--Remember: Your safety comes first! A seriously injured raptor is potentially dangerous. Even if the bird is docile at first, it is scared and unpredictable Be particularly aware of the bird's talons and beak.
--If you must handle or move a bird, be extremely careful. Wear heavy gloves if possible. Approach the bird slowly and from the rear. Using a blanket, towel, or jacket, carefully cover the entire bird (including its eyes) and lift by pinning down its wings to its body. Wrap the injured bird for protection. Gently fold the bird's wings back against its body.
--Transport the bird in a cardboard box with plenty of ventilation holes, particularly near the base of the box. The box should be slightly larger than the bird. The bird should still be wrapped in a cloth. It is less likely to cause more injury to itself with less room. The bird's wings and feathers are very vulnerable to damage. For this reason we do not use wire cages.
- Provide a calm, quiet environment, and do not keep the bird longer than necessary to get it to a veterinary professional.
--Use a warm, dark, quiet place. Darkness has a calming effect and quiet is important because of the bird's sensitive hearing. Keep the bird away from children and pets. Keep it out of the sun or parked cars on warm summer days. Birds overheat rapidly.
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