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If you found an injured or orphaned animal in Missouri, this will walk you through exactly what to do next.
What to do right now:
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Keep pets and people away
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Do NOT give food or water
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Keep the animal warm, dark, and quiet if contained
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Many babies are not abandoned—reuniting is often the best outcome
📞 Call or text: 816-814-8641
Resources
Not every situation needs us—and the best outcome for wildlife often comes from using the right resource at the right time. We’ve put these here to help you get accurate, ethical guidance quickly, even if we’re not the closest or best fit for your situation.
Animal Help Now is a nationwide tool that connects you with the closest available wildlife rehabilitators and resources based on your location. By entering your zip code, it provides real-time results for who can help right now, including species-specific care and availability. It’s one of the fastest ways to find licensed help when you’re not sure where to start.
The Mange by Mail program, run by Bi-State Wildlife Hotline, provides a way to treat sarcoptic mange in wild foxes and coyotes without trapping or bringing them into captivity. The program mails supplies and instructions so treatment can be delivered safely in the animal’s natural environment, often with just one or two doses. It’s a unique option for cases where capture isn’t possible.
Missouri Department of Conservation
The Missouri Department of Conservation oversees wildlife laws, licensing, and conservation efforts across the state. They provide guidance on what is legal, when intervention is appropriate, and how to handle wildlife situations responsibly. They also work closely with licensed rehabilitators and help ensure wildlife is managed ethically and within state regulations.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is the federal agency responsible for protecting native wildlife, migratory birds, and endangered species. They set national regulations and protections that guide how wildlife can be handled, transported, and rehabilitated. Their work ensures that wildlife care across the country follows consistent, science-based standards.
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