At Yakima Basin Fish & Wildlife Recovery Board, our commitment to the well-being of our local wildlife is unwavering. We fervently advocate for the rehabilitation and preservation of their habitats, recognizing the critical role they play in our ecosystem. While we passionately support these efforts, it’s important to clarify that our organization lacks the capability to directly care for injured or sick wildlife.
We understand that encounters with wildlife can sometimes be concerning, especially if they appear injured or abandoned. However, it’s crucial to remember that wildlife possesses innate survival instincts that may differ from our own perceptions. What might seem like distress to us could be a natural behavior for them.
As we enter Spring, please be aware that wildlife may leave their young alone for periods of time. This does not mean they have been abandoned and it is important to step away and not intervene. Handling young wildlife will introduce human scent and can potentially attract predators. To a human eye, the side of the road looks like a terrible place to leave a young animal, to wildlife, they see this as a safe space where predation is unlikely to occur. Always contact an expert in the field before intervening with wildlife.
In such situations, we strongly encourage calling the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) before intervening. WDFW is equipped with the knowledgeable staff and resources to assess and address wildlife concerns safely. WILDCOM can be reached at 360-902-2936 during their working hours and can dispatch an enforcement office in your area to assist. If you encounter an emergent situation after hours, please call 911 or your local non-emergency law enforcement dispatch line to report. We have included a link below where you can search for local licensed rehabilitation facilities that can answer your questions and assist with injured or sick wildlife.
By seeking expert advice and assistance, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for both the wildlife in question and their surrounding habitats.
Check out our Wildlife Recovery page for links to resources in Washington state.