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I Found an Injured Mammal

How to Assess, Rescue, and Contain Injured Wildlife

If you’ve come across an injured wild mammal, it’s important to make sure the animal truly needs rescue and stay safe in the process.

Below are the key steps to determine if and how to safely rescue an injured wild mammal in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

Step One: Determine if Rescue is Needed

Before acting, an adult should consider the situation:

1. Rabies Vector Species (Raccoon, Skunk, Fox, Coyote)

The animals may have been injured because it was already weakened by a sickness such as canine distemper or rabies. In DFW and the surrounding counties, it is not uncommon for raccoons and foxes to get canine distemper, so it’s important to take precautions. Carelessly handling the animal while attempting a rescue can put the animal’s life in danger due to potential rabies exposure. If the animal appears to be calm but is injured, check out our guide “I saw a wild animal such as a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote, or bobcat during the day, should I be concerned?”

2. Non-Rabies Vector Species
If a squirrel, opossum, rabbit, or beaver has been hit by a car or attacked by a dog or cat, rescue is warranted.

3. Bats

If you’ve found an injured bat, please visit our bat FAQ page for detailed instructions before attempting rescue.

4. Baby Animals
Many healthy babies are mistakenly “rescued” when their parents are nearby. Always check the baby animal section of the relevant FAQ page before intervening.

5. Not sure if rescue is needed?

Read up on the animal’s FAQ page to determine if rescue is warranted or call the DFW Wildlife Hotline at 972-234-9453.

Always confirm that rescue is truly necessary before approaching.

Step Two: Put Safety First

An injured wild animal may bite or scratch out of fear. Protect yourself and minimize stress to the animal.

You will need:

  • Thick gloves
  • A towel or blanket (to cover and calm the animal)
  • A secure container (box or pet carrier with air holes)

Step Three: Choose the Right Containment Method

Tiny to Small Animals (e.g., baby squirrels)

  • Use a shoebox lined with a T-shirt (not a towel, tiny feet can get tangled in the threads).
  • Add small air holes from inside to outside on the lid.

Medium Animals (e.g., opossums)

  • Use a box with a secure lid (with air holes) or a small to medium pet carrier.
  • Cover the pet carrier with a towel to reduce stress.
  • Provide a soft T-shirt inside for hiding and comfort.

Large Animals (e.g., adult rabbits)

  • Use a sturdy pet carrier lined with a T-shirt.
  • Avoid flimsy boxes. Strong animals can escape.
  • Use sturdy transport cages for rodents that are prone to chew.
  • Transport the animal to a rehabilitator immediately to prevent escape.

If you cannot safely contain the animal, call local authorities or the DFW Wildlife Hotline at 972-234-9453 for assistance.

Step Four: Safely Contain the Animal

  • If proceeding with the rescue, approach quietly, slowly, and cautiously.
  • Cover the animal completely with a towel or blanket — this reduces fear by blocking vision. Extra layers of fabric plus your gloves can help protect you.
  • Never lift an animal by the tail.

Containment methods:

  • Small to Medium Mammals: After covering, gently lift the animal into the container. Stay aware of its mouth and feet.
  • Larger Mammals: Place the carrier facing the animal and guide it inside using a towel or broom. Often, the animal will climb into the carrier if it is physically able. Alternately, place the container over the animal, then slide cardboard underneath. Carefully and slowly tilt the container upright and secure the lid/door.

Once contained, wash your hands thoroughly — even if you wore gloves.

Step Five: Provide a Safe Holding Space

  • Place the animal in a quiet, warm, dark location away from children and pets.
  • Do NOT FEED OR HANDLE.
  • Provide warmth. Heat can be lifesaving. Read how to safely provide heat.

Step 6: Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator

After stabilizing the animal: