Finding injured or seemingly abandoned wildlife can happen at any time. Whether it’s in your backyard, on a roadside or along a trail – and what you do next can have a significant impact on the future of the animal.
In the case of an American Kestrel, the smallest falcon found in North America, his rescue means a life in captivity. Animal rescuer and educator Diana Sleiertin transports him to wildlife rehabilitator.
"He was found by an individual who kept him for a longer time than he should have, and now we are finally able to get him into the right facility," said Sleiertin.
If you find a young healthy uninjured animal it is best to leave them alone and not approach, their parent may be just out of sight waiting for you to go away or off getting food or moving a sibling to a new hiding place. If you find an animal that has been injured or is in distress it -- is best to call in a professional.
If you find an animal that is injured, if it is safe to pick up that animal and interact with that animal, it is appropriate to do so. But with-in the first 24 hours it's essential to get them to the appropriate wildlife rehabilitator and not keep it as a pet.
Remember most of us are not equipped to care for wildlife, do not have the experience and knowledge to care for them and in most states it is illegal to keep them as pets. From turtles and snakes, to raccoons or raptors, wild animals are illegal to keep and make dangerous, unpredictable house pets.