Wildlife

Wildlife Rehabilitators: Improving Outcomes for Injured Animals

Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured and orphaned animals with the goal of successful release; welfare during care is critical to outcomes.

Key Facts

Over 10,000 wildlife rehabilitators operate in the US
Minimizing human imprinting is essential for successful release
Stress during rehabilitation can cause capture myopathy and death
Triage protocols help prioritize animals with reasonable release prognosis

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife rehabilitation requires balancing the welfare of animals in care against the goal of successful wild release. Excessive human contact habituates animals and reduces survival after release. Minimal stress handling, species-appropriate housing, and gradual reintroduction to natural behaviors improve both welfare and release success rates.

What You Can Do

Contact licensed wildlife rehabilitators for injured wildlife — never attempt solo care
Support your local wildlife rehabilitation organizations with donations
Learn basic first response for common wildlife injuries
Advocate for adequate licensing and training standards for rehabilitators