The Frederick County Humane Society
550 Highland Street, Suite 200
Frederick, MD 21701
Tel: 301-694-8300
Fax: 301-694-8305
email: info@fchs.org

General Wildlife Information

The traditional definition of wildlife refers to wildlife as non-domesticated animal species. In modern times, this has evolved to include plants, fungi and other organisms which live wild in an area without being introduced by humans. [1] More often than not, handling injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife can do more harm than good. Although our intentions are well-meaning, human interaction with wildlife should always be kept to a minimum. Humans often misinterpret normal wildlife behavior as abnormal and may unnecessarily disturb and stress wild animals by attempting to catch them. [2]

If you find a sick or injured animal, call a licensed rehabilitator first to find out what he or she generally accepts for wildlife species before you try to capture or transport an animal for care. Rehabilitators are usually unable to respond to pick-up injured wildlife, but they will provide advice on the best procedures for safely collecting the animal and will offer directions to their facility. Some Maryland veterinarians are legally allowed to provide emergency service for injured wildlife and should then turn the animal over to a licensed rehabilitator. Some veterinarians are also rehabilitators. [3]

For a list of licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators near your home or business, please call Wildlife Services toll-free at 1-877-463-6497, or refer to the Quick List on the DNR [4] Internet.

Wildlife Resources

References

1. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/wildlife
   
2. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/injured
3. Massachusetts's Office of energy and Environmental Affairs  http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/fish-wildlife-plants/wildlife-rehabilitation.html
4. Maryland Department of Natural Resources http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Plants_Wildlife/rehab.asp