The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota provides
quality medical care and rehabilitation for all injured,
sick and orphaned wild animals, and shares its knowledge
with the people who care about them.

We're at the peak of wild baby season here in Minnesota! From baby bunnies to fox and raccoon kits, to baby birds - there are thousands of animals out there growing up in the wild.

Some do well and others might need a bit of help. How do you tell the difference?

First, any sick or injured wild animal can be brought to us during our operating hours. No need to call first, simply bring it to us. Please do not feed any animal in your possession. Body condition and temperature, the animal's age and various other things can all impact the animal's ability to actually process that food safely.

If it's not sick or injured, here are some key points to evaluate the situation:

1) If it's a naked bird or has a lot of skin showing, it should be in the nest. Put it back if you're able. If you can't find the nest keep it warm and safe and bring it to us.

2) If it's a feathered baby bird that just isn't flying yet it could be a bird going through a ground fledging stage. Robins, jays and cardinals all may do this. Cavity nesters do not (chickadees, woodpeckers, etc.). If you're not sure what the species of the bird is, call us and we'll help you determine whether the bird should stay where it is or come in for help.

3) Baby ducks running around and no mom in sight? Gather them up and bring them in. Mallards and Wood Ducks generally do not accept other ducklings (whereas geese do), so reuniting them is very problematic.

4) Baby squirrel fell out of the nest? They tend to land rather hard and the nest is generally pretty high. If you at all suspect internal injuries please bring the squirrel in for a health check. Mom should come pick it up and take it back to the nest. If she hasn't after a full day has gone by, bring it in. (don't leave them out overnight)

5) Young raccoon kits are adorable, and get into all sorts of mischief, and mom is actually pretty good at keeping them with her. She should come back for any that have wandered too far. These do need to be left out overnight for mom to find. Just leave them where they are, or if you know where the den is, leave them by the den entrance/base of the tree. If mom still doesn't come for them after a full night or two, bring them to us.

To safely transport any animal please make sure it's in a box or a carrier from which it cannot escape. The last thing you want is a wild animal loose in your car while you're driving. Put an old t-shirt or pillowcase in the box with the animal to help reduce stress. Remove any water dish that you may have put in the box prior to transport.

We're here to help! Call us with any questions: 651-486-9453.