The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a Wildlife Rehabilitators directory. All wildlife rehabilitators must be properly permitted at both the state and federal level. Choose the permit county to get the list of wildlife rehabilitators near you. These are the largest wildlife centers in Maryland you can call for help:
- Owl Moon Raptor Center - 301-908-7249
- Phoenix Wildlife Center - 410-628-9736
- Second Chance Wildlife Center - 301-926-9453
- Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc - 302-737-9543 (In Newark, DE near Maryland)
- Maryland DNR Natural Resources Police Wildlife Line - 410-260-8540
If You Find Sick, Injured Or Orphaned Wildlife
You may find wildlife in trouble in your backyard, neighborhood or while hiking. If you find a fox or raccoon, do not handle them as they are Rabies Vector Species (RVS) and should only be handled by expert rescuers who have been vaccinated against rabies.
First, call a rehabilitator. You may need to leave a message. Give as many details as you can, including:
- Your full name
- The best phone number to reach you
- The location where you found the wildlife - an address, GPS coordinates, the name of the nearest landmark to help the rescuers find the wildlife quickly
- A brief description of what you see is wrong with the animal or bird
Call as many as you can, and when you get an organization that will respond, call the others back to let them know the rescue is underway.
If you can throw a towel or coat over wildlife, you may be able to pick the animal or bird and box it.
DO NOT GIVE SICK, INJURED OR ORPHANED WILDLIFE FOOD OR WATER.
You should never offer food or water, because this could cause further injury or illness to the animal or bird. Please consider driving the rescued bird or animal to the nearest properly permitted facility. Getting it quickly to a rehabber could be the difference between life or death.
With the exception of Maryland DNR, the wildlife organizations listed above are all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profits. If you can, consider giving a donation to help defray some of their operating costs.
