If You See an Adult Wild Animal
Does that animal need your help? Not every wild animal you see is in need of help.  The animal probably needs help if you can see an injury or if he can't fly or run away.

If you think the animal is injured or sick, then follow these steps:

1. Don't touch the animal.  Most wild animals are terrified of people, especially if they are hurt and can't get away.
2. As soon as possible, find an adult you trust (such as your parent, grandparent or teacher) and tell them the animal needs help.  Together the two of you can follow the next steps.
3. Immediately call PAWS for advice on what to do next.  You can reach the Wildlife Center at 425.787.2500 x817 for help.

If You See a Baby Wild Animal
Does that baby mammal need your help?  Mother deer and rabbits leave their young hidden alone in brush for most of the day. This is safer for the babies who can't run away from danger as fast as their mothers.

Does that baby bird need your help?  Young birds who have outgrown their nest but are still learning to fly are called fledglings.  These birds have all their feathers, but look a little scruffy.  Fledglings spend a lot of time on the ground, but are still cared for by their parents.  These birds don't need to be brought to PAWS, but they do need you to help keep cats, dogs and people away from them until they learn how to fly away from such dangers.

Very young baby birds, called nestlings, sometimes fall from their nests.  You can tell a nestling from a fledgling because they have very few feathers.  If they are uninjured, it is possible to place these babies back in the nest.  They will not be abandoned by their parents simply because you have touched them. Have an adult you trust call PAWS at 425.787.2500 x817 to find out how to safely return the baby to his or her nest.

If you think the baby bird or mammal might be injured, or that they have been abandoned by their parents, then follow these steps:

1. Don't touch the animal.  Most wild animals are terrified of people, especially if they are hurt and can't get away.
2. As soon as possible, find an adult you trust (such as your parent, grandparent or teacher) and tell them the animal needs help.  Together the two of you can follow the next steps.
3. Immediately call PAWS for advice on what to do next.  You can reach the Wildlife Center at 425.787.2500 x817 for help.

Rescuing an Injured or Orphaned Animal
If you can't reach PAWS or find yourself in an emergency situation away from a phone, then you can get advice from PAWS' main website on how to help the animal or follow the steps below. 

1. Get an adult you trust to help you and follow the next steps together.
2. Your safety comes first.  Be sure you are safe from cars and other dangers when approaching the animal.
3. Put together a wildlife rescue kit that includes a couple of towels, a sheet, a pair of gloves and a sturdy cardboard box with air holes.
4. Put a towel in the bottom of the box, put on the gloves and hold the sheet in front of you.
5. Carefully observe the animal.  Does she have a long sharp beak or claws that could hurt you?  Think about how you will keep both the animal and yourself safe.
6. Gently and quickly throw the towel over the animal, pick him up and put the bundle in the box.  You do not need to take the towel off the animal, but make sure the towel is not wrapped too tightly.
7. Place the box in a warm, dark, quiet place away from people and pets. 
8. Do not give the animal any food or water.  Eating or drinking could hurt the animal even more if she has internal injuries.
9. Get the animal to a Wildlife Rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Special Situations
In any wildlife emergency, your safety comes first. Also, you should never attempt to rescue marine mammals (like seals), cougars or bears.  Instead call the numbers below for help.

 Marine mammals
It is against the law to touch or disturb marine mammals.  It is normal for marine mammals like Harbor Seals to leave their babies alone on land for long periods of time.  If you see a baby on land that looks sick or injured, call the National Marine Fisheries Service at 206.526.6733.  Even though the babies may look harmless they have very sharp teeth and can carry diseases which can spread to people and other animals.

 Bears and Cougars
Bears and cougars can be very dangerous, especially when protecting their young.  If you see a bear or cougar cub, slowly walk away and have your family call the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at 425.775.1311 for help.

Help Wild Animals Stay Safe
Watch your companion animals, or pets, closely. Keep cats indoors and dogs in a securely fenced yard or on a leash.  This will help your animals and the wild animals stay safe.

Keep food out of reach.  For example, secure garbage can lids, don't leave pet food outside and never feed wild animals.  You can learn more about the effects of feeding wildlife at PAWSkids.org.

Create a backyard Habitat for wildlife.  You can start by planting Native plants which will provide natural food and cover for wild animals.

Make a wildlife rescue kit and keep it handy. It should be a sturdy box with holes such as a cardboard cat carrier. Inside keep a pair of plastic gloves and thick cloth gloves, towel, sheet, and the numbers of your local wildlife rehabilitator and your state fish and wildlife department.

If your family is having a conflict with wildlife, help them find animal friendly solutions.  They can start by calling the PAWS Wildlife Center for free advice at 425.787.2500 x817.

Teach others how to help wild animals who live in their neighborhoods.