GIG HARBOR WILDLIFE RESCUE
RESCUE TIPS
What to do if you find injured or orphaned wildlife
watch + wait
Wildlife that may seem abandoned or injured may not always be so. When you see a young animal alone, do not immediately assume that it is an orphan. The parents may be in the near vicinity and caring for the baby even though that might not be obvious.
Likewise, an injured animal will not understand that you are trying to help. Injured wildlife can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, so handling of any wildlife (even small mammals and birds) can be potentially injurious for you and for the animal.
CALL + report
If you are in the Gig Harbor area, please contact us at 206-919-0861.
Gig Harbor Wildlife Rescue is on call 24-hours. Please leave a voicemail, when prompted, or text us. We will return your call as soon as we are able. Please understand that GHWR is a small operation and that delays may be possible.
You may also contact our affiliates, Center Valley Animal Rescue 360-765-0598, and West Sound Wildlife Shelter 206-855-9057.
OBSERVE QUIETLY
After you call a rescue professional, quietly keep an eye on the injured or orphaned animal until we arrive.
Very often, animals will try to leave the area, and we will need you to try to observe their movements.
If the animal is in imminent danger of further injury and needs to be moved for its own safety, please do so cautiously and with as little handling as possible. Remember that your first responsibility is your own safety.