If you find a wild animal exhibiting signs it needs help or a baby of the species listed below, call Willowbrook Wildlife Center at 630-942-6200.
View a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
I Found a Wild Animal. What Should I Do?
Find the information you need to assess the animal's condition, determine if it needs help and then take action.
Find the information you need specific to one of these wild baby species.
Never handle an adult animal without first consulting a wildlife professional. Even small animals can injure you!
Once you've contacted a wildlife rehabilitator who can help, describe the animal and its physical condition as accurately as possible. Wear thick leather gloves and long sleeves when handling wildlife or gently use a tool — such as a broom or shovel, when possible — to move the animal. Cover the animal with a heavy towel to help avoid contact and keep the animal calm.
It's always best for parents to raise their young in a natural environment. Unlike humans, songbirds and other young wild animals are not constantly supervised by their parents. They spend much of their time alone or with siblings. Because they learn how to find food and shelter, recognize their parents and avoid predators, people should leave them alone when possible.
Wild animals of all ages and species can carry diseases that can infect people and
pets. Wash your hands well after handling a wild animal, and thoroughly clean and
bleach any containers you wish to reuse. Do not allow pets near any wild animal.
It’s illegal to keep wild animals for more than 24 hours. They have special nutritional, housing and handling needs, and inexperienced individuals who try to raise or treat them inevitably produce unhealthy, tame animals that can’t survive in the wild.
If you are unable to make it to Willowbrook during normal business hours, call 630-942-6200 for a recorded message containing after-hours advice.
The visitor center is closed, but the animal admittance area is open daily
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please call 630-942-6200 before visiting.
The outdoor exhibit and nature trails and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Get tips for common issues with wildlife, and visit Living With Wildlife.
Forest Preserves
Illinois Nature Preserves
Danada Equestrian Center
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center
Kline Creek Farm
Mayslake Peabody Estate
St. James Farm
Willowbrook Wildlife Center
Banner image by David Davis
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630-933-7200
forest@dupageforest.org
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Forest Preserve District is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Contact 630-933-7683 or TTY 800-526-0857.