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Wildlife Rehabilitation Resources and Directory

Wildlife rehabilitation is a licensed activity in Wisconsin and is defined as providing temporary care to an injured, orphaned or ill wild animal to release it back into its environment. Scroll to the bottom of this page to find a directory of licensed wildlife rehabilitators across the state.

Always Call Ahead

Help reserve space for wild animals truly in need. Always call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before assuming a wild animal needs help. Many wildlife rehabilitators may temporarily modify how they can assist injured, orphaned or sick wildlife in protecting their health and safety.

Changes To Wildlife Rehabilitation Procedures

It remains a concern whether SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in people, can become established in wild animal populations. Beyond the potential threat to wildlife, this could also threaten human health should the virus become established in the wild and a reservoir.

To protect against the potential introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into wild animal populations in Wisconsin, the DNR has put in place temporary modifications to rehabilitation procedures to protect the health of Wisconsinites and wildlife.

There are increased biosecurity requirements for all bat, felid (bobcat), mustelid (weasel species, mink, fisher, otter), red fox and white-tailed deer rehabilitation this year, and space may be limited. This spring, call a licensed rehabilitator before handling any of these species.

For more information about SARS-CoV-2 in animals, visit USDA APHIS One Health – SARS-CoV-2 in Animals [exit DNR].

Bat Rehabilitation and SARS-COV-2

Currently, the rehabilitation of bat species requires increased biosecurity, and rehabilitation is allowed during the summer months. 

Refer to the bat frequently asked questions for information on how to handle everyday bat situations.

White-Tailed Deer Rehabilitation and SARS-COV-2

Currently, the rehabilitation of white-tailed deer requires increased biosecurity. Orphaned, sick or injured deer are recovered every year by the public and department staff and placed with licensed deer rehabilitators.

The CWD-affected counties [PDF] and the deer rehabilitation policy are in effect to outline the desired procedures for the intake, release and marking of deer to address disease management issues as well as compliance with state and federal laws. Specific geographic guidance will be communicated by the department directly to all licensed rehabilitators in the state annually or more frequently if necessary.

Birds and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Due to concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in some species of wild birds including raptors (especially bald eagles), shorebirds and waterfowl, licensed wildlife rehabilitators may have limits or restrictions on admitting bird species.

Refer to the directory below to determine whether the licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you is accepting birds. If they are not, you can contact the DNR Wildlife Hotline by emailing DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov or leaving a voicemail at 608-267-0866 for a return phone call.

How To Tell If A Wild Animal Needs Rehabilitation

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately if you have determined that a wild animal is sick, injured or truly orphaned. Never attempt to rehabilitate wildlife on your own. Wisconsin's licensed wildlife rehabilitators are specially trained to provide temporary care and treatment to wild animals to release them back into the wild.

Consult Keep Wildlife Wild for detailed resources to help determine if a wild animal is truly orphaned and choose an appropriate course of action. We have printable resources for some of the most frequently found animals, including birds [PDF], mammals [PDF] and fawns [PDF].

Many young wild animal species spend most of their day without their mother, who may be away feeding or keeping her distance to protect her young.

If you determine that a wild animal needs rehabilitation, place the animal inside a ventilated container in a dark, warm and quiet place away from disturbances, such as children and pets, until transport to a licensed rehabilitator can be arranged. Do not provide food or water; this can do more harm than good. See our Recommendations For Transporting Wildlife [PDF] for more information.

Locate A Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

The blue counties on the map represent locations of licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Click the county name in the table below for a list of wildlife rehabilitators and their contact information.

Please note that this map and table list only a portion of Wisconsin's licensed wildlife rehabilitators. If you are a licensed Wisconsin wildlife rehabilitator and would like to be added to our webpage, please contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program.

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