Don’t step in when it’s best to step aside. In the springtime, baby animals are everywhere, but if they aren’t hurt or in immediate danger, they usually don’t need help. Mom’s probably gathering food nearby.

Do stop to help if you find an injured animal. Place the animal in a covered box or carrier and put the box in a dark, quiet place. Make sure the animal doesn’t get too hot and can breathe inside the box. If the animal cannot be moved, cover him or her with a towel or blanket so he or she will stay calm until help arrives. Again, make sure the animal can breathe under the towel.

Don’t feed the animal or offer him or her water.

Do contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator or agency immediately using the following information:

Wildlife Response
543-7000
Leave your name, number, and a brief message, and a volunteer will return your call as soon as possible. Volunteers check messages every 15 minutes and will call back soon.
Virginia Beach SPCA
427-0070
The Virginia Beach SPCA has a licensed wildlife rehabilitator on staff and is the only shelter in the Hampton Roads area that will take in injured or orphaned wild animals.
Chesapeake Animal Control
382-8080
Norfolk Animal Control
664-7387
Peninsula SPCA
595-1399
Portsmouth Animal Control
393-8876
Suffolk Animal Control
923-2160
Virginia Beach Animal Control
427-5616

If the agencies listed above cannot assist you, or if the animal is severely injured and needs to be euthanized immediately, transport him or her to one of the following facilities ASAP:

In Chesapeake:
Greenbrier Veterinary Emergency Center
1100 Eden Way N., Ste. 101
366-9000
In Norfolk/Virginia Beach:
Tidewater Veterinary Emergency Hospital
5425 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach
499-5463
In Virginia Beach:
Animal Emergency Care
1060 Lynnhaven Pkwy.
468-0071