Did You Know Illinois Has Laws About Injured Or Sick Wild Animals

If you find an injured or sick wild animal in Illinois, here's what to do.

Finding Wild Animals In Your Yard

It's the time of year again when you start working out in the yard and trying to get it ready for summer after a long hard winter.

While you're out working away, there's a good chance you'll notice some wild animals hanging around. Nothing scary, just some birds, squirrels, and stuff like that.

You're hoping to not come across any injured or sick ones. That's always the worst because you're never sure what to do. Well, I've got some tips for you, the next time that happens.

Tips For Handling A Sick Or Injured Animal In Illinois

The best place to find out information about injured or sick animals is from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Here are some tips from their Facebook page, HERE.

This is a tough one...

"If you’ve found sick or injured wildlife, either leave the animal or bird where you found it and let nature take its course."

 

If you're an animal lover, you probably want to ignore those words of advice. The best thing to do is call a wildlife rehabilitation center. For a list of places in Illinois, HERE.

When there is a safety issue for the animal or people, call animal control or the police.

WARNING... don't keep the animal and try to play vet. It's against the law.

"Many people are not aware that it is illegal to keep wildlife in captivity or as pets in Illinois."

 

"This is because most wildlife in Illinois are protected by the Wildlife Code, and they cannot be kept in captivity without a permit."

For more info about what to do about an injured or sick wild animal, HERE.