The wildlife hospital treats all native<\/strong> wildlife. We do not treat marine mammals or exotics.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tDo you provide care for domestic\/feral cats and dogs?\n\t\t\t\t NO. We only care for native wildlife.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tWhere can I take domestic animals?\n\t\t\t\t Please contact Domestic Animal Services at (239) 252-7387 (Collier County), or (239) 533-7387 (Lee County).\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tWhy can’t I see the wildlife or get patient updates?\n\t\t\t\t The wildlife hospital cares for 4,000 animals a year and admits around 10 animals per day. To call everyone back with an update would take away from the patient’s care.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tDo you rescue marine life such as manatees or sea turtles?\n\t\t\t\t The wildlife hospital does not have a permit for marine life such as manatees or sea turtles. Please call Florida Fish and Wildlife to report at 1 (888) 404-3922.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tDo you take in exotic or non-native species?\n\t\t\t\t No.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tDo you euthanize animals?\n\t\t\t\t The wildlife hospital sees euthanasia as a kind death. If the animal is suffering, or is unable to live in the wild properly, then our staff will elect to euthanize.\u00a0This decision is not taken lightly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tDo you treat Muscovy ducks?\n\t\t\t\t The wildlife hospital does not treat Muscovy ducks. They are considered non-native.\u00a0 However, if they are suffering, we can help them along.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tWhat happens to animals that cannot be released back into the wild?\n\t\t\t\t There is not one set answer to this question, but our wildlife hospital is permitted to treat, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife. If an animal is suffering, or is unable to live in the wild properly, then euthanasia is an option.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tWhat do I do about nuisance wildlife?\n\t\t\t\t Please call the wildlife nuisance number at (239) 262-2273 ext. 3.<\/p>\n\t\n With a box and a towel, you have the tools needed to contain the animal by completely covering it and putting it into the box.\u00a0You can put the animal in anything that is ventilated, including a laundry basket, storage container, shoe box, cardboard box, etc. Please make sure that the container is secure so that the animal cannot escape.\u00a0Please bring it to the wildlife hospital.\u00a0If you have any questions, call, but please note that as the wildlife hospital is an active hospital, and at times extremely busy, you may need to leave a voicemail. Every minute counts for wildlife in need!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tI found an animal, but you are closed. What do I do?\n\t\t\t\t Place the animal in a box with ventilation.\u00a0 Place the contained animal in a warm, dark, quiet place in your home for the animal to rest overnight.\u00a0 Do not offer food or water (it can be more harmful than beneficial to give food or water to an animal). Please bring the animal to the wildlife hospital as soon as possible in the morning. We open at 8:00 a.m.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tI found a _____. What do I do?\n\t\t\t\t Baby bird<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Take a photo and call the wildlife hospital.\u00a0By having a photo, we will be able to age the bird and determine whether or not the baby bird needs to come in.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Baby squirrel<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Please bring the baby squirrel to the wildlife hospital.\u00a0 If a baby squirrel is on the ground, it has fallen from the nest and needs to be seen by our veterinarian.\u00a0<\/p>\n Baby deer (fawn)<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Please do not touch the deer.\u00a0 Deer will set their young in different places while they go out to graze.\u00a0 If you see a fawn alone, please leave it alone and call the wildlife hospital.\u00a0 With more information, we can help assess the situation, so we do not kidnap them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bat<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n With gloves and a box, use a stick to push the bat into a box.\u00a0Bats are rabies vector species, so you should never directly touch a bat.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bat colony<\/strong><\/p>\n Immediately call the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at (239) 262-2273.<\/p>\n Baby duckling<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Please bring it into the wildlife hospital. Ducklings should never be alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n Baby rabbit<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Please call the wildlife hospital.\u00a0 We do not want to disturb the nest until we have all the information.\u00a0However, if your dog or a cat has destroyed the nest, or if there are dead rabbits in the nest, then bring the baby rabbit into the wildlife hospital.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nest with or without eggs<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Please leave it alone. It is illegal to relocate or move nests.\u00a0If you have questions, please call the wildlife hospital.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tI found a rabies vector (raccoon, bat, bobcat, fox, otter, coyote, skunk). What do I do?\n\t\t\t\t Rabies is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, as the virus is found in their saliva. Infected animals may appear healthy but can behave abnormally, either unusually friendly or aggressive.<\/p>\n If you find an injured animal that is considered a rabies vector, do not handle it directly. Contact the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for guidance. If instructed to transport the animal, wear thick gloves and use a secure, well-ventilated container. Avoid direct contact and never attempt to feed or treat the animal yourself.<\/p>\n The von Arx Wildlife Hospital must treat rabies cases as instructed by Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 64D-3.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tI found an animal with a hook in its mouth, around its beak, stuck to its wing\/foot, etc. What do I do? \n\t\t\t\t Please try to contain the animal in a container. Do not remove any line or hooks. You can cut the line if the animal is stuck to something, however, do not remove the line or hook yourself.\u00a0This can be very painful for the animal.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tA cat or dog caught an animal. What do I do?\n\t\t\t\t Always bring in an animal that is brought in by a cat or dog. Cats have bacteria in their mouth that are harmful. As far as dogs are concerned, even if injuries are not visible, they can still cause internal injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tI’ve found a snake and I don’t know if it’s venomous. What should I do?\n\t\t\t\t Do not touch the snake. Please take a photo and call the wildlife hospital. We can help identify.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tI found a dead animal. What do I do?\n\t\t\t\t You can bag the animal and bring it to the wildlife hospital.\u00a0If it is a domestic animal, please call Domestic Animal Services at (239) 252-7387<\/a> (Collier County), or (239) 533-7387 (Lee County).\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tHow do I pick up a _____?\n\t\t\t\t Small bird<\/b><\/p>\n Use a small washcloth, hand towel, or even a shirt, and cover them.\u00a0 Make a cup with your hands, and scoop them up into the box. \u00a0<\/p>\n Large bird<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n You can use a large towel or sheet and completely cover the bird.\u00a0 Make sure to wear eye protection and gloves.\u00a0 Once covered, grab the head, and then scoop up the body like a football that you are holding to your side.\u00a0 Place it in a box and close the box. However, every bird is different, so if you feel uncomfortable, please call the wildlife hospital and we can advise. \u00a0<\/p>\n Adult squirrel<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Adult squirrels can bite, so it is recommended that you use a broom or stick to push them into a box.\u00a0 Have a towel ready to cover it, if needed.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n Adult opossum<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Similar to a cat, you would place a towel over the opossum and pick them up by their sides.\u00a0 If you are uncomfortable, then you can take a broom or a stick and push it into a box. \u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tA bird flew into my window. What should I do?\n\t\t\t\t Contain the bird in a box, cover it with a towel, and bring it to the wildlife hospital. Window strikes can cause concussions and fractures, so it is best to bring it to the wildlife hospital for care and time to recover.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tHow can I stop birds from hitting my windows?\n\t\t\t\t There are many ways to prevent birds from colliding with a window, such as hanging shiny decorations on the window, or using stickers or adhesives. Click here<\/a> for helpful suggestions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tWhat do I do if I have an alligator in my lake?\n\t\t\t\t Alligators can live in any natural body of water in Florida. Relocating an alligator only endangers it, and another alligator will simply move into the original location. DO NOT FEED alligators, keep dogs and domestic pets leashed around natural bodies of water where alligators may live, and be alert near these bodies of water. Live with nature, rather than against it!\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tI found a mouse or rat. Will you feed it to your patients?\n\t\t\t\t We do not feed our patients animals from the wild for a number of reasons. We buy our food from local purveyors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tShould I feed wildlife?\n\t\t\t\t NO. Feeding wildlife can spread diseases and allows wildlife to become habituated to humans. Keep wildlife wild!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tCan I keep a wild animal as a pet?\n\t\t\t\t NO. It is never a good idea to keep wildlife as a pet. They are NOT meant to be domesticated, and it can lead to issues down the line.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tWhat is a fledgling?\n\t\t\t\t A fledgling is a baby bird that is learning to fly. Baby birds take about 2-3 days to learn to fly. During this time, you will see them in the bushes or on the ground hopping around and flying short distances.\u00a0If you see a well-feathered baby bird hopping around, take a photo, then call the wildlife hospital. The staff will be able to age the bird and determine what to do next.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tWhat should I do if there’s a wild animal in my house?\n\t\t\t\t Please call the wildlife hospital.\u00a0 We have tips and tricks to help you get the animal out.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tHow can I prevent animals from getting into my trash cans?\n\t\t\t\t Make sure your trash can lid is secure by using bungee cords to secure the lid. Lockable trash cans are also an option. Bringing cans out in the morning, rather than leaving them overnight, is recommended.<\/p>\n\t\t Answers to all your questions about the animal hospital.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Most people seek to avoid causing harm to other living creatures, so we put together a list of things to do – or not do – to help wildlife.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t We rely on dedicated volunteers to help treat over 4,000 injured, sick or orphaned animals each year. Volunteer opportunities are diverse and challenging.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t With the help of Amazon.com, it’s easier than ever to donate to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital! We have created an Amazon Wish List, where you’ll be able to see the items we need most in order to help care for injured and orphaned native wildlife.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t Membership helps support our work and gets you free membership to the Nature Center and many other perks. Join today!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnimal Care Information<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\tI found a sick or injured animal. What do I do?\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tLearn More About the von Arx Wildlife Hospital\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
![\"Opossum\"](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Opossum.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWildlife Hospital Q & A<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWildlife Injury Prevention<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
![\"3L7A5026](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/3L7A5026-1.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tVolunteer<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWish List<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tHow You can help\n\t\t<\/h6>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tHelp protect our water, land, and wildlife\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBecome a Member<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
![\"Donate\"](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/icon-donate.png\"){kind=icon}
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDonate<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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