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Found a Wild Animal?
Before you intervene, take a moment to make sure the animal actually needs help. Many wild animals that appear abandoned or vulnerable are exactly where they’re supposed to be.
Injured • Orphaned • In Danger • Not Sure?
First, Observe From a Distance.
Unless the animal is in immediate danger, don’t pick it up yet. Keep people and pets away, watch from a safe distance, and take note of what you see. A photo can be very helpful.
Wild animals don’t always need our help—even when something looks unusual. Here are a few signs that intervention may actually be needed.
Clearly Injured
Visible wounds, bleeding, broken limbs, difficulty breathing, or an animal that cannot stand, walk, or fly normally may need professional help.
Does This Animal Need Help?
In Immediate Danger
An animal in a road, trapped somewhere, or at immediate risk from people or pets may need assistance. Keep yourself safe and avoid handling it unless necessary.
Possibly Orphaned
A baby alone is NOT automatically orphaned. Many wildlife parents leave their young for long periods and return later. Observe first before intervening.
Before You Pick It Up
Handling wildlife can cause unnecessary stress and may put both you and the animal at risk. Unless the animal is in immediate danger (and you can approach it safely), leave it where it is while you get guidance.
When in doubt, take a photo first.
What Did You Find?
The Gentle Wild specializes in reptiles. For other wildlife, I’ll help point you toward the right resources.
Reptiles
Find a Wildlife Rehabber
Tufts Wildlife Clinic
Found an injured turtle, snake, or other native reptile? I can help you determine the safest next step.
Licensed wildlife rehabilitators care for native wildlife that needs help. Use MassWildlife’s directory to find a rehabilitator who works with that species.
Tufts Wildlife Clinic treats sick and injured native wildlife. Be sure to follow the phone prompts before bringing an animal in.
Found a Turtle in the Road?
If it’s safe to help, move the turtle across the road in the direction it was already traveling. Never turn it around or relocate it somewhere else. Turtles know where they’re going.
Keep Yourself Safe
Help it Across
Handle With Care
Never put yourself at risk in traffic. Only help if you can do so safely. You can only be a turtle hero if you both make it safely across.
Move the turtle completely across the road in the direction it was already heading. Don’t turn it around, even if you think it chose the wrong way.
Never lift a turtle by its tail. For most turtles, hold the shell securely with both hands. Snapping turtles require extra caution. Never place your hands near the front half of the shell.
If the turtle is injured, move it out of immediate danger if you can do so safely and note the exact location where it was found. Then contact The Gentle Wild for guidance.
What if I Already Picked it Up?
That's okay. Keep the turtle somewhere quiet, dark, and secure, away from children and pets. Don’t offer food or water.
No food. No water. No home remedies.
Ready to Get Help?
Take a clear photo of the animal and any visible injuries, and note exactly where it was found. That information can help determine the safest next step. Please don’t clean wounds or apply medications before getting guidance.
If the animal is in immediate danger or needs urgent veterinary care, don’t wait for a response. Please contact a wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife veterinary clinic directly.
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