MSPCA-Angell Headquarters

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7400
Email Us

Angell Animal Medical Centers – Boston

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7282
angellquestions@angell.org
More Info

Angell West

293 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 902-8400
For on-site assistance (check-ins and pick-ups):
(339) 970-0790
angellquestions@angell.org
More Info

Angell at Essex

565 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 304-4648
essex@angell.org
More Info

Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Boston

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-5055
More Info

Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Cape Cod

1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632
(508) 775-0940
More Info

Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Nevins Farm

400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844
(978) 687-7453
More Info

Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Northeast Animal Shelter

347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-9888
More Info

Donate Now

Donate

More Ways to Donate

From an online gift to a charitable gift annuity, your contribution will have a significant impact in the lives of thousands of animals.

Orphaned or Injured Wildlife

baby raccoon in tree resizedIs the animal an orphan?

In the springtime, concerned citizens often mistake young animals left alone as orphans. What most people do not know, is that it is quite common for the young of many mammals and birds to temporarily be left by their parents while the parents are out foraging. Parents conceal their young from predators and only periodically return to the nesting sites to feed and care for the young.

If you find a young wild animal that appears to be orphaned, it is best to leave the animal alone, unless it is facing imminent danger. You should not touch or approach a wild animal, as the scent of a human will often deter a parent from returning to their offspring. Even leaving a human scent leading to the animal can attract predators. It is best to wait from a safe distance and observe the animal until one of the parents return, which could take several hours. If a parent does not return after several hours, keep an eye on the animal and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator (see below).

See this helpful chart to figure out what to do with a baby mammal based on the situation.

In the case of baby birds, remember that part of learning to fly comes with being on the ground. What you mababy birdsy think is an orphaned bird, may just be a bird learning how to fly! Watch the bird from a safe distance and keep people, especially children, and companion animals away from the baby bird. It may take several hours but you may be lucky enough to witness the bird learn to fly!

If the bird is in imminent danger, know that it is a myth that touching a baby bird will orphan it, as birds do not have scent glands. Returning a baby bird to its nest will not orphan the bird, but again, should only be done if the baby bird is in imminent danger. If you cannot reach the nest safely or if you cannot find the nest, put the baby bird in a small basket and hang it from a branch as close as possible to where you think the bird’s nest is.
If a parent does not return after several hours to claim the baby bird, locate a local rehabilitator (see below).

Learn more about what to do with a baby bird based on the situation.

Is the animal injured?

An injured wild animal can be very dangerous, and as such, it is best to never approach or try to move or handle an injured wild animal. Contact your local animal control officer via your local police department, or a wildlife rehabilitator if you think a wild animal is injured. Without putting yourself in danger, try to make sure the animal is out of danger, and wait until the authorities arrive to help. If you find a baby in need of rescue, please do NOT give it any food or water, as this could further compromise it’s condition.

Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitators

Join the Animal Action Team to stay up to date on animal issues across the Commonwealth.

Advocacy Puppy