Frequently Asked Questions

SFWC is here to help. If you see any of the following on a wild animal you’ve just encountered, please give us a call at (954) 524-4302, so we can best assist you.

• Attacked by a dog or cat
• Evidence of bleeding
• Obvious broken limb
• Featherless and on the ground
• Shivering
• Found near another dead animal
• Has been crying for several hours
• Seen wandering with no direction as if lost and unsure of what to do

IF AFTER HOURS – REMEMBER:

You can leave the injured, orphaned, or sick wild animal in one of our night cages so we can assess first thing the following morning, or you can keep the animal somewhere safe and contained in your home until you are able to bring it to us the following morning (recommended).

• Use common sense and think of your safety first
• Try to contain the animal if safe to do so
• Keep the animal warm and quiet until it can be transported and while it is being transported
• Do not pet or handle the animal
• Do not try to feed or give water to the animal

When to leave an animal alone:

It is common to see wild baby animals outside during spring as a new generation makes its way into the world. Wild baby animals might seem like they need our help, but unless the animal is truly orphaned or injured, there is no need to intervene. Give us a call if you are unsure, and we can help guide you.

Animal Drop-Off:

The South Florida Wildlife Center is available to receive injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals Monday-Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. There are no admissions fees though donations are highly encouraged so we can continue our work.

Rescuing a wild animal:

Never handle an adult animal without first consulting a wildlife professional. Even small animals can injure you. Once you’ve contacted someone who can help, describe the animal and his physical condition as accurately as possible.

Unless you are told otherwise, here’s how you can make an animal more comfortable for transport:

1. Put the animal in a safe container. For most songbirds, use a cardboard box or similar container. First, punch holes for air (not while the animal is in the box!) from the inside out and line the box with an old T-shirt or other soft cloth. Then gently place the animal in the box.
2. Put on thick gloves and cover the animal with a towel or pillowcase as you scoop him up gently and place him in the container.
3. Do not give the animal food or water. It could be the wrong food and cause him to choke, trigger serious digestive problems or cause aspiration pneumonia. Many injured animals are in shock, and force-feeding can kill them.
4. Place the container in a warm, dark, quiet place—away from pets, children, and all noise (including the TV and the radio)—until you can transport the animal. Keep the container away from direct sunlight, air conditioning, or heat.
5. Transport the animal as soon as possible. Leave the radio off and keep talking to a minimum. Because wild animals aren’t accustomed to our voices, they can become very stressed by our noises. If they’re injured or orphaned, they’re already in a compromised condition. Keep their world dark and quiet to lower their stress level and help keep them alive.

You can leave the injured, orphaned, or sick wild animal in one of our night cages so we can assess first thing the following morning, or you can keep the animal somewhere safe and contained in your home until you are able to bring it to us the following morning (recommended).

• Use common sense and think of your safety first
• Try to contain the animal if safe to do so
• Keep the animal warm and quiet until it can be transported and while it is being transported
• Do not pet or handle the animal
• Do not try to feed or give water to the animal

• An appropriately sized pet carrier or pet crate.
• Cardboard box with pre-made breathing holes at the top and bottom. The breathing holes should be big enough to fit your thumb in but not bigger.
• A plastic bin with a towel or a piece of cardboard (with pre-made breathing holes) as the lid.
• Always line the bottom with a soft absorbent material like paper towels, a bath towel, or an old shirt.

Unless you are told otherwise, here’s how you can make an animal more comfortable for transport:

• Put the animal in a safe container. For most songbirds, use a cardboard box or similar container. First, punch holes for air (not while the animal is in the box!) from the inside out and line the box with an old T-shirt or other soft cloth. Then gently place the animal in the box.
• Put on thick gloves and cover the animal with a towel or pillowcase as you scoop him up gently and place him in the container.
• Do not give the animal food or water. It could be the wrong food and cause him to choke, trigger serious digestive problems or cause aspiration pneumonia. Many injured animals are in shock, and force-feeding can kill them.
• Place the container in a warm, dark, quiet place—away from pets, children, and all noise (including the TV and the radio)—until you can transport the animal. Keep the container away from direct sunlight, air conditioning, or heat.
• Transport the animal as soon as possible. Leave the radio off and keep talking to a minimum. Because wild animals aren’t accustomed to our voices, they can become very stressed by our noises. If they’re injured or orphaned, they’re already in a compromised condition. Keep their world dark and quiet to lower their stress level and help keep them alive.

If you can contain the bird or turtle, do not remove the hook or fishing line. Bring the animal to us. You may cause more injury removing it, and there may be other internal hooks.

Bring it to us or any other wildlife rehabilitation center if the baby is smaller than 7 inches (typically the length of your middle finger to wrist).

If it is larger than 7 inches and moves well with no wounds, it no longer needs a parent. He/she can be released back into the wild.

NO. Please bring it to your nearest rehabilitation facility. There may be a puncture wound or broken bones.

• Call us during our business hours. After hours, keep the bird in a warm dark area. Do not feed or offer water.
• If the baby looks healthy (no blood, no ants, no wounds, not colder than your hand), look for a nest near where you found it and place the baby back in the nest.
• If the nest is too high, try nailing a basket to the tree in a shaded area near the original nest. Fill the basket with leaves. Come back in an hour and check for fresh poop.
• If the bird is covered with feathers, no fluff, and looks like a smaller version of the adult, this may be a fledgling learning to fly. Leave it where it is because the parents are taking care of it.

• A fledgling is a bird that is almost completely covered in feathers (not fluffy down) and looks like an awkward version of an adult.
• Fledgling birds hop out of the nest onto the ground. Then they learn to fly from the ground up.
• It may take a few days for a fledgling to fly away completely.
• Parents will continue to feed a fledgling while they are on the ground.

If the baby is warm, does not have ants, does not have a wound, and was not caught by an animal, it can possibly be reunited with its mother.

• • First, place the baby on the ground where you found it.
  • Make sure all children and pets are inside or far away. You do not want to scare mom.
  • On your cell phone, go to YouTube and play as loud as possible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGtA8w-hlTw
  • Leave phone near the baby and step away. This may take several attempts.
  • NEVER FEED THE BABY
• If mom doesn’t pick up after 24 hours of trying, please bring the baby squirrel to us.

Scoop the bird with both hands by placing one hand on each side, covering each wing with your hand. Have the box/carrying container close by, and place the bird on a pillowcase or paper towel.

• Toss a large blanket, sheet, or towel over the bird, making sure to cover the head. Make sure to firmly hold the bird with the sheet over the bird by placing one hand over the middle section of each wing.
• Your grip should be firm but not tight. Imagine holding a squirmy baby.

• Wear the thickest gardening gloves you own. Place a thick towel over the whole squirrel, but make sure to cover the head. Place your fingers behind the head, stabilizing the head and jaw. This should feel like you are pinching the jaw from behind but not restricting airflow. With the other hand, pick up the back end. Now, place it in a pet carrier. Cardboard boxes are not preferred for squirrels since they easily chew their way out.
• If you are unable or do not have access to gloves, you can place a carrier in front of the squirrel. With a cardboard box or towel, guide the squirrel into the carrier.

• DO NOT pick up by the tail, and do not offer food or water.
• Tilt a box on its side, and guide the opossum into the box using the other hand.
• If the opossum is lying on its side, you can cover him/her with a towel, place one hand at the base of the tail and the other under his/her neck. Then slide it into the box.
• If the opossum is dead, check to see if it’s a mother with babies in her pouch. It is best to remove the babies and keep them warm until you can transport them to a rehabilitator. 

• If it is a dead opossum, check if it is a mother with babies in her pouch. If it is a mother, remove the babies, keep them warm and contact us as soon as possible.
• You can contact a trapper for removal (this is a paid service) or double bag the body to dispose of in your trash.

• Alligators live in Florida. This is their home; if you are concerned about your safety, call FWC Gator 888-404-3922.

• Call a local shelter for cats or dogs.
• For exotics, call FWC at 561-357-4200.

• If you give the raccoon some space, it should move on. Mother raccoons with very small babies will look for food during the day.
• If the raccoon is not moving or acting sick, call animal control first and then us during business hours.
• If you feed cats outside, you are inviting all wildlife to a free meal.

You can report to FWC or your local police department.

Never offer it food or water Bring the bird in if there is blood, any body part is limp, or it does not start to recover after 15 minutes.

Otherwise: 

• If the bird is in a safe place, you can leave it there and monitor its recovery
• If cats, dogs, or small children are around, place the bird in a shoebox. Put the shoebox in a quiet place.
• Release it back where you found it if the bird is very active and vocal after one hour. If not fully recovered after an hour, call us.

Our hours of operation vary by season. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

We treat a wide variety of native wildlife. However, due to certain regulations and specializations, there are some exceptions. Please call us to discuss the specific animal you’ve found.

Yes, we are open 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.

You can donate through our website or by mail. Visit our website for more details.

Yes, all donations to the South Florida Wildlife Center are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Our primary goal is to rehabilitate and release animals. However, in cases of extreme suffering where rehabilitation is not possible, humane euthanasia may be considered.

It is illegal and harmful to keep wild animals as pets. They have specialized needs and should live in their natural habitats.

While our focus is primarily in South Florida, we can provide advice and possibly help you find a wildlife rescue closer to your location if you’re out of our area.

The best way to deter wildlife is to remove attractants such as pet food, bird feeders, and unsecured trash cans.

We care for a wide variety of wildlife including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Yes, we encourage educational projects! However, please contact us to arrange any necessary interviews or visits.

All job openings are posted on our website.

The release of rehabilitated animals should only be done by trained staff or volunteers to ensure the safety of the animals.

Please call us first to discuss the situation. We can then advise on how to safely capture and transport the animal to our center.

Applying decals or bird tape to your windows can help birds see them and prevent collisions.

Yes, we have a wish list on our website. We appreciate all donations!

Keep your yard clean and free of debris where snakes might hide. A professional can provide safe removal if a snake is already present.

If the rabbit is uninjured and its eyes are open, it’s likely fine. If it appears injured or is very young (eyes closed), please contact us.

Yes, we have a sponsorship program. Please visit our website for more details.

Yes, we are happy to answer any wildlife-related questions you may have.

The animal will receive a full examination and any necessary treatment with the goal of releasing it back into the wild.

Yes, we welcome corporate partners and sponsors. Please contact us for more information.

Yes, we offer a variety of educational programs. Please visit our website or call us for more information.

We specialize in terrestrial wildlife. For marine animals, we recommend contacting a local marine rescue center.

Starting a wildlife rehabilitation center requires proper licensing, training, and resources. We recommend reaching out to your local wildlife agency for more information

If the nest is not in immediate danger, it’s best to leave it alone. If you think it’s abandoned or at risk, please call us for advice.

Due to the nature of our work and for the safety of our patients, we do not offer public tours.

It’s best to contact a professional to safely relocate the nest.

You can help by keeping your distance from wildlife, keeping your yard clean and free of trash, and educating others about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Rehabilitation helps to ensure the health and survival of wildlife populations. Each species plays a vital role in maintaining balanced and healthy ecosystems.

If the fawn is uninjured and not in immediate danger, it’s best to leave it alone as the mother is likely nearby. If it’s injured or the mother doesn’t return within 24 hours, please contact us.

For marine life like manatees, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a local marine rescue center.

Yes, we greatly appreciate community fundraisers. Please contact us to coordinate.

No, our focus is solely on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife.

Don’t attempt to handle the snake. Keep a safe distance and contact a professional for assistance.

Yes, you can subscribe to our newsletter through our website to stay updated about our work and events.

Unlike animal shelters that primarily focus on domestic pets, we specialize in the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals.

Some animals that cannot be released may become educational ambassadors, while others may be placed in approved sanctuaries.

Please do not handle bats yourself due to the risk of rabies. Contact us or your local wildlife rescue immediately.

We rely on the generous donations of individuals, businesses, and grants for our funding.

Becoming a wildlife rehabilitator requires special training and licensing. We recommend taking wildlife rehabilitation courses and gaining hands-on experience through volunteering.

Please remove your bird feeder temporarily to prevent the spread of disease, and contact us for further advice.

No, we do not adopt out any of the wild animals that come into our care. Our goal is to return them to their natural habitats.

It’s best to call a local wildlife removal service or animal control. They have the training to handle these situations safely.

Yes, planting native plants, providing fresh water, and leaving dead trees for nesting can all create a wildlife-friendly garden.

For marine animals, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a local marine rescue center.

Using a secured or wildlife-proof trash can will help deter wildlife. Also, try to put your trash out as close to pickup time as possible.

We contribute to conservation by rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing native wildlife, and through education and advocacy efforts.

We focus on wildlife. For domestic animals, we recommend contacting a local animal shelter or rescue group.

Our main focus is native wildlife. For exotic or non-native species, we recommend contacting a specialized rescue or sanctuary.