It is illegal to care for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in Illinois unless you have a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Individuals with wildlife rehabilitator permits may assist injured wildlife if necessary.

Persons or employees should not attempt to assist an animal if there is a risk to personal safety or to the safety of others. If rabies is suspected, call the local animal control agency so that the animal can be captured and tested.

If a person or employee finds a sick or injured wildlife animal, either

               i.   leave the animal where it was found and let nature take its course; or

              ii.   call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Call the local animal control office or police department for assistance if the animal poses a threat to public health or safety.

Untrained individuals should not handle wildlife animals.  Wild animals can inflict serious injury.  They can also be carriers of disease or parasites that are transmittable to humans.

 

The following websites contains additional information regarding sick or injured wildlife in Illinois and contact information for wildlife rehabilitators:

https://wildlifeillinois.org/get-help-for-injured-wildlife/

 https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/list-of-licensed-wildlife-rehabilitators/