A desire to help is natural if you discover a baby bird on the ground or a deer fawn alone in the forest. Learn what to do if you encounter a wild animal that appears to be orphaned or injured, and whether it's best to leave it alone, or to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
In the event of an immediate public safety issue, wildlife violation, or an injured or dangerous animal, please call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or email WILDCOMM@dfw.wa.gov, or call 911.
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Wildlife rehabilitation in Washington
WDFW relies on wildlife rehabilitators to take in animals in need of care. Learn more about the program, or find your nearest wildlife rehabilitator.
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Report wildlife observations
Report sick, injured, or dead animals or help WDFW fill in the blank spaces for presence of rare and hard-to-document species or species of special public or agency concern.
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Baby birds out of the nest
Find out when you should try to rescue baby birds -- and when it's best to leave them alone.
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What to do if you find a deer fawn
Leave deer fawns alone unless you are certain the mother is dead or the fawn is clearly sick or injured.
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When not to 'rescue' a wild animal
The only time you should consider intervening in a wild animal’s life is if it is clearly sick or injured, or if you are certain the parent is dead.