Injured or orphaned wildlife
A desire to help is natural if you discover a baby bird on the ground or a deer fawn alone in the forest. Learn what to do if you encounter a wild animal that appears to be orphaned or injured, and whether it's best to leave it alone, or to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
In the event of an immediate public safety issue, wildlife violation, or an injured or dangerous animal, please call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or email enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov, or call 911.
Wildlife rehabilitation in Washington
WDFW relies on wildlife rehabilitators to take in animals in need of care. Learn more about the program, or find your nearest wildlife rehabilitator.
Report wildlife observations
Report sick, injured, or dead animals or help WDFW fill in the blank spaces for presence of rare and hard-to-document species or species of special public or agency concern.
Baby birds out of the nest
Find out when you should try to rescue baby birds -- and when it's best to leave them alone.
What to do if you find a deer fawn
Leave deer fawns alone unless you are certain the mother is dead or the fawn is clearly sick or injured.
When not to 'rescue' a wild animal
The only time you should consider intervening in a wild animal’s life is if it is clearly sick or injured, or if you are certain the parent is dead.