WILDLIFE REHABILITATION

Wesselman Woods is not licensed to rehabilitate wild animals and we do not provide services to injured or orphaned animals.

Photo by Alexander Arwood

We are often asked, “Does Wesselman Woods rehab animals?” and “What do I do if I find an injured/orphaned animal?” Because we are not licensed to care for sick and injured animals, we refer people to permitted wildlife rehabilitators or “rehabbers”.

Please do not bring orphaned or injured animals to the preserve.

If you come into contact with an injured animal, you can reach out to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator or allow nature to take its course.

There are several DNR-licensed rehabilitators in southwest Indiana and a detailed list of those people who are capable of helping can be found on the Indiana DNR website. As noted on their site: Permitted wildlife rehabilitators make the final decision on their ability to provide assistance and the goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to release wildlife back into the wild.

More helpful information from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Adult animals rarely abandon their young. What may seem like an abandoned animal is normal care for most animals. The animal may not benefit from your help.

  • The adult may be out of sight gathering food.

  • Removing young from their nests can disrupt the reproductive cycle of the animal.

  • Diseases and parasites can be transmitted between wildlife and humans/pets and vice versa.

  • Human scent can alert predators to the presence of young animals.

  • Truly orphaned and injured wildlife can be given to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for care.

Before acting, ask:

  • Has sufficient time passed without an adult animal nearby? The adult animal will not return with a person nearby.

  • Does the animal really need help? Most young animals that seem abandoned do NOT need help.

  • Did I witness the adult animal get killed?

  • Does the animal have obvious signs of disease or injury?

  • Will I help or harm this animal?

The best care and chance of survival is always with the young animal’s mother.

It is unlawful for an individual to possess a wild animal without a proper permit. Good intentions can still harm wildlife. If an animal does need assistance, it is important that a properly licensed professional is contacted. Professionals have training, facilities, and resources to properly assist wildlife and ensure the animal is capable of fending for itself when released.

Never compromise personal safety to help wildlife.

Other Wild Animal Rehabilitation Contacts

Mammals

  • Artemis Wildlife
    (no rabbits, no deer)
    Evansville, IN
    812-760-7398

  • Christine Bush
    Evansville, IN
    812-306-6500

Herps (Reptiles & Amphibians)

Birds