How to identify an animal in distress

A wild animal may need assistance if it's...

• an adult animal and can be captured easily
• seriously favouring a leg or wing
• sitting on the road, not moving for traffic
• bleeding
• having difficulty breathing or is convulsing
• a bird sitting with its feathers puffed and does not move for a long period
• a bird running on the ground when others fly away

In most cases, leave baby animals alone! They only need help if they appear to be dehydrated or emaciated, have sunken eyes or a dull coat, are listless or injured.

If possible, call the closest wildlife rehabilitation facility after carefully observing the animal and before you attempt to capture it. If you are on southern Vancouver Island, call Wild ARC (250) 478-9453. For the rest of BC, please find the closest wildlife rehabilitator though the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of BC.