The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) receives many
calls concerning injured or orphaned wildlife and how to care for those
animals. In cases where a bird or mammal has been injured and is in need of
assistance, concerned citizens should contact a certified wildlife
rehabilitator. Wildlife rehabilitators have the training, skills, and
facilities necessary to care for most injured animals, and are permitted by
LDWF to rehabilitate injured wildlife in Louisiana. Possessing wild animals
without a permit is against state law. Furthermore, certain species, such
as migratory birds, are afforded additional protection under federal law.
Callers can be referred to local wildlife rehabilitators by contacting
Carrie Salyers, LDWF Urban Biologist at (225) 763-3557.
Should a rehabilitator not be available, the animals should be left in their
natural habitat. Though this may sound like a cruel alternative, it is a
natural process that helps regulate wildlife population levels.
Each year, well-intentioned people attempt to rescue small animals thought
to be abandoned. However, many animals are rescued from a completely normal
situation. The mother of the small animal may be attempting to teach her
offspring how to forage, walk, or fly. While it may appear that the small
animal is left alone, a mother's watchful eye may not be far away. Adult
animals frequently leave their young to forage for food, but rarely abandon
them. Wildlife parents attempt to conceal their young from humans and other
animals. When humans handle or move young wildlife, it increases the
chances that the parent may abandon the young or may not be able to find
them. The best advice would be to leave young animals alone, try not to
disturb them, and let the parents care for them.
For more information, contact Carrie Salyers, LDWF Urban Wildlife
Biologist at (225)763-3557 or
csalyers@wlf.louisiana.gov.