Report sick, injured or deceased wildlife

 

If you see wildlife that is visibly injured, sick or deceased at a UW location, report it promptly to EH&S via our reporting form (UWNetID required) or by calling (206) 543-7262.

The University works with federal wildlife biologists and professional contractors to evaluate animals, and where necessary, to support safe and appropriate removal of sick, injured, or dead wildlife from campus locations.

After reporting, take these actions:

  1. Do not touch or attempt to move a deceased, sick or injured animal. This can spread illness (if the animal is sick), lead to injury to yourself or further injury to the animal. Some wildlife species are protected; removing and handling a protected animal is illegal and should only be done by state or federal wildlife biologists and licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
  2. Be quiet and give a sick or injured animal space. An injured or sick animal will be stressed and may act unpredictably (e.g., bite or scratch) if it feels threatened. Habituating wildlife to human contact may endanger them and you. Human voices, touch, and presence are not soothing to wildlife.
  3. Do not allow pets to get close to or touch the animal. This can spread illness if the animal is sick, lead to injury to your pet, and further injure and stress the wild animal.
  4. Do not attempt to give the animal food or water. Giving an injured or unwell animal food or water often further harms it; in these states their bodies may not be able to process food and water. Wildlife can die if fed inappropriate food items. Leaving food out next to a sick or injured animal also can draw pests and other wildlife to the animal’s location.
  5. Avoid unprotected contact with any secretions or excrement from wildlife. Promptly wash hands with soap and water if you have touched surfaces that have been in contact with the animal or animal secretions.

Animals in their natural environment know their needs best. Often wild animals do not require human intervention unless they are in immediate danger, are clearly sick or injured, or showing signs of distress. When you report sick and injured animals EH&S can get them evaluated and care as appropriate, which helps keep wildlife wild.

Visit the Pest Control and Wildlife Resources webpage for more information.