**If you’re trying to reach us after hours about an animal in need, please find the species below and follow the instructions.**
Injured Adult Songbirds
First, get a photo. Then, please contain the bird in a secure container with air holes, lined with an old t-shirt, pillowcase, or paper towel, and store in a safe, quiet, warm, area, away from pets. A small shallow dish of water may be provided. Do not feed or interact with the bird. Text a photo and info to (704) 286-6330, and we’ll get back to you when we open.
Injured or Orphaned Baby Birds
If you have concerns about baby birds that are still in a nest, please leave them there until speaking with a rehabber. If you find a baby bird on the ground, but know where the nest is, inspect the baby for injuries, and if none are found, place the baby back in the nest. If there are injuries, or if the nest has fallen, please get a photo, then contain the bird(s) in a secure container with air holes, lined with an old t-shirt, pillowcase, or paper towel, and store in a safe, quiet, warm, area, away from pets. If the original nest is not available, please make a “doughnut” out of a t-shirt as an artificial nest to help keep the baby warm. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT FEED OR PUT ANY WATER IN A BABY BIRD’S MOUTH UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Do not handle or play with the baby. Text a photo and info to (704) 286-6330, and we’ll get back to you when we open.
Injured or Orphaned Fowl (Geese, Ducks, Turkeys, Chickens, etc.)
First, get a photo. If possible, please contain the bird in a secure container with air holes, lined with a towel, and store in a safe, quiet, warm area, away from pets. A closed bathroom is a good option. Injured, stressed, birds are unlikely to eat, but a small dish of water may be provided. Text us at (704) 286-6330 with a photo and info, and we’ll get back to you when we open.
NOTE: Baby fowl without adult feathers should be provided with supplemental heat, such as a heat pad on low, or a warm water bottle. Ensure the box they are in is not getting too hot! Do not leave them unattended until you’re certain the temperature is stable.
Injured Wild Reptiles
For turtles with broken shells, please contact our reptile referrals. For other turtle injuries, including road rash with no or minimally broken shell, and all other reptiles and amphibians, first get a photo. Please keep the reptile in a secure container with air holes, and store in a safe, temperature controlled area away from pets. You may provide water in a small dish. Do not feed. Text our hotline with a photo and info at (704) 286-6330, and we’ll get back to you when we open.
Injured Wild Mammals (Except Fawns)
We are not accepting wild mammals at this time. Please keep injured or orphaned mammals in a secure container with air holes, lined with an old t-shirt, pillowcase, or paper towel, and store in a safe, warm area, away from pets. A closed bathroom is a good option. Do not attempt to feed or water baby mammals. A shallow dish of water may be provided for injured adults. Please check our list of referrals local to about an hour radius around Charlotte. If you’re outside of Charlotte metro, please refer to the NC rehabber map for more options. Be sure to leave a voicemail/ text, and allow time for a response.
Injured or Orphaned Fawns
Injured or Orphaned Raptors (Hawks, Owls, Vultures, etc.)
We are not taking raptors at this time. First, get a photo. If you’re comfortable doing so, please contain the bird in a secure container with air holes, lined with an old t-shirt, pillowcase, or paper towel, and store in a safe, quiet, warm, area, away from pets. A closed bathroom is a good option. Do not interact with the bird. Please contact our referrals for these species, and be sure to leave a voicemail/ text, and allow time for a response. If you’re far outside of the Charlotte area, please check the NC rehabber map for more options near you.