Miracle’s Wildlife Rehab

08/23/2026

Let's talk about fawns...

Yes, it's true... mother deer often leave their fawns alone for long periods of time. This is a natural survival strategy. By staying away, mom avoids drawing predators to her baby. In most cases, the best thing we can do is admire from a distance and leave the fawn exactly where it is. It is usually just waiting patiently on its mother to return.

But sometimes, a fawn isn't waiting for its mother.

Sometimes, it's suffering.
Sometimes, it's dying.

And those are the moments when intervention matters.

Please don't ignore a fawn if you notice:

🚩 Flies swarming its body
🚩 Visible wounds, bleeding or injuries
🚩 Maggots or fly eggs anywhere on the animal (especially the rear)
🚩 An excessive number of ticks on its face, eyes or body
🚩 A strong foul odor
🚩 A head that is tilted to one side or held in an unusual position
🚩 Lying in an abnormal posture, such as legs stretched out to the side for extended periods
🚩 Inability to stand or walk normally
🚩 Open-mouth breathing, panting, or huffing
🚩 Extreme weakness, lethargy, or unresponsiveness
🚩 Continuous crying for hours with no sign of the mother
🚩 Signs of dehydration, such as sunken triangles beside the eyes
🚩 Being trapped in fencing, netting, landscaping, or other hazards
🚩 A mother deer coming to the baby and the baby NOT getting up to nurse
🚩 A deceased doe nearby

A healthy fawn may be alone, but it should not look like it's losing a battle to survive.

Every year, people are told, "Leave it alone. Mom will come back." And while that advice is most often correct, it is 'not always' correct.

There is a difference between a hidden fawn and a distressed fawn.

There is a difference between being alone and being abandoned.

There is a difference between giving nature space and turning away from an animal that desperately needs help.

If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts. Take photos from a distance. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator asap. Ask questions.

A phone call could mean the difference between life and death.

Not every fawn needs saving.

But the ones that do deserve someone willing to look a little closer.

***these photos may be hard to look at, but they can help save lives.

~Jamie @ GGWR

08/23/2026

What to do if you find an injured animal?

Your immediate priority is keeping yourself safe, then assessing whether the animal truly needs help—many young animals appear abandoned but are actually fine. Only contact professionals and follow their guidance for expert handling and care.

How can I safely transport an injured wildlife to a wildlife rehabber?
Step Action Key Details
1. Assess Safety Check for hazards around the animal Stay away from traffic, power lines, or water; observe from a safe distance
2. Determine Injury Look for visible signs Bleeding, broken limbs, difficulty moving, unresponsiveness, or flies/maggots on the body indicate need for help
3. Avoid Unnecessary Rescue Observe baby animals first Many young animals are left alone by parents for hours—wait several hours before concluding it's orphaned
4. Call a Professional Contact wildlife rehabilitator Describe location, species, and visible injuries; do not attempt to treat yourself
5. If You Handle the Animal Use protective gear Wear heavy gloves, minimize handling, keep hands away from mouth (rabies risk)
🛡️ Safety First
Injured wild animals are frightened and unpredictable—your safety comes before helping.
* Avoid high-risk species — Do not attempt to pick upskunks, bats, raccoons, or birds of prey. Contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator immediately instead.
* Protect yourself from bites — Use heavy gloves when handling any animal. Even small creatures like squirrels and rabbits can scratch or bite when scared.
* Keep calm — Quick movements or loud noises can stress the animal further. Observe without touching whenever possible.
📞 Getting Professional Help
Licensed wildlife rehabilitators have the training and permits to care for injured animals legally and safely.
* Call before acting — Seek guidance from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before rescuing. They can talk you through proper handling or advise you to leave the animal alone.
* What to tell them — Provide the precise location (landmarks help), the animal's species or description, and any visible injuries or unusual behavior.
* What NOT to do — Do not attempt to treat injuries yourself—applying bandages, ointments, or medications can cause harm. Do not feed or give water without professional instruction.
* If you must move the animal — Place it in a well-ventilated cardboard box in a dark, quiet, warm place while you wait for help or transport it to a rehabilitator.

08/23/2026

I Found Injured Wildlife – What Should I Do?
Take Action

Injured Wildlife
Finding a wild animal in distress can be overwhelming, but the right steps can make all the difference. Before taking action, it’s important to assess the situation carefully—some animals may not need help, while others require urgent care. Follow this step-by-step guide to determine the best course of action, ensure your safety, and give the animal the best chance of recovery. Every action counts. Only adults should rescue wildlife. Before rescuing wildlife, seek guidance from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
�Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before intervening, observe the animal from a safe distance. Many animals freeze when scared, so it’s important to determine if it is truly injured. Signs that an animal may need help include:
* Visible wounds, bleeding, or broken limbs
* Difficulty standing, walking, or flying
* Unresponsiveness, disorientation, or weakness
* Flies, maggots, or ants on the body
* A baby animal that has been attacked by a predator
* A very young bird without feathers

If the animal is displaying any of these signs, it likely needs assistance. However, some animals that appear alone or motionless are not necessarily injured. Many young animals, such as fawns and fledgling birds, are left alone by their parents for long periods as part of their natural behavior.
�Step 2: Determine If It’s Safe to Help
Not all animals can or should be handled by the public. Do not attempt to pick up or move large mammals, birds of prey, or rabies-vector species (such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes). These animals require professional handling and may pose a risk to human safety. Instead, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center immediately.

Step 3: Call a professional
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – Reach out to your local wildlife rescue for instructions on what to do next. They can assess whether the animal requires immediate care. Many wildlife centers have help hotlines that will provide specific information based on your location and the species. Many states also have wildlife agencies that provide guidance.

Step 4: What Not to Do
* Do not attempt to treat injuries yourself.Applying bandages, ointments, or medications can cause harm. Only trained professionals should administer medical care.
* Do not assume an animal is orphaned. Many young animals are left alone by their parents and do not need intervention. Removing them from their habitat may do more harm than good.
* Do not try to rehabilitate wildlife on your own. Keeping wild animals, even with good intentions, is illegal in many areas without proper permits. They require specialized diets and care.
* Do not force interaction. Injured wildlife are highly stressed and see humans as predators. Keeping the environment calm is essential for their survival.
* Do Not Feed or Give Water – Feeding an injured animal the wrong diet can be dangerous. Water can also cause aspiration if given incorrectly. Wait for guidance from a professional.

Step 5: Extra Tips for Helping Injured Wildlife
* Secure pets before helping wildlife. Keep dogs and cats away from injured animals to prevent additional stress or injury.
* Drive carefully in wildlife-prone areas. Many injuries result from vehicle collisions. Slowing down in known wildlife corridors can prevent accidents.
* Educate others about wildlife safety. Many people unknowingly cause harm by handling wildlife incorrectly. Sharing accurate information can help protect more animals.

If you ever find an injured wild animal and are unsure what to do, the best course of action is always to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center. They have the knowledge and resources to provide the care the animal needs. By acting responsibly and seeking expert guidance, you can make a real difference in an animal’s chances of recovery and return to the wild.

08/23/2026

WINTER WILDLIFE SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU DO EACH MONTH

Small actions at the right time make the difference.

NOVEMBER: PREPARATION MONTH

□ Set up heated birdbath (test before freeze)
□ Fill feeders consistently (birds memorizing locations)
□ Build brush piles for shelter
□ Leave leaf litter and seed heads standing
□ Check for drafts in bat houses/nest boxes
□ Install roost boxes for small birds

DECEMBER: CRITICAL FOOD MONTH

□ Refill feeders every 2-3 days
□ Provide high-fat foods (suet, peanuts, black oil sunflower)
□ Check heated birdbath daily (ice = death)
□ Leave brush piles undisturbed
□ Scatter cracked corn on ground for ground feeders
□ Keep seed dry and fresh

JANUARY: DEEP COLD SURVIVAL

□ Never let feeders go empty
□ Provide extra suet (highest calories)
□ Check water source 2x daily (refreezing)
□ Add straw to outdoor cat shelters
□ Keep brush piles accessible (clear snow from entrance)
□ Do NOT disturb hibernating animals

FEBRUARY: STARVATION MONTH (hardest time)

□ Maintain feeders religiously (this is when birds die)
□ Check water constantly
□ High-fat foods critical
□ Watch for sick birds at feeders (remove if seen)
□ Clean feeders weekly minimum
□ Emergency feeding if deep snow covers ground food

MARCH: TRANSITION MONTH

□ Continue feeding until migrant birds leave
□ Clean feeders thoroughly (spring diseases)
□ Prepare for nesting season
□ Leave dead wood standing (cavity nesters need it)
□ Start planning native plant gardens
□ Install nest boxes by mid-March

CRITICAL DONT'S:

❌ Don't start winter feeding then quit (birds depend on it)
❌ Don't use salt/ice melt near wildlife water sources
❌ Don't clear away ALL brush piles
❌ Don't "clean up" garden until late March
❌ Don't disturb hibernating animals
❌ Don't let birdbaths freeze (dehydration kills)

EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS:

DEEP SNOW (12+ inches):
- Scatter seed on cleared ground patches
- Provide suet and high-fat foods
- Check shelters (clear blocked entrances)

ICE STORM:
- Provide extra food (birds can't forage)
- Check water sources 3x daily
- Emergency heated water critical

EXTREME COLD (-10°F+):
- Double suet offerings
- Check roost boxes
- Provide wind-blocked feeding areas

One person doing this = 50+ animals survive winter.
One neighborhood doing this = hundreds survive.

08/23/2026

❄️ Winter Water Scarcity: The Hidden Threat

Most people assume wildlife struggles most with finding food in winter.
But there’s another problem that’s often just as dangerous—and far less obvious:

Many animals struggle to stay hydrated when everything freezes.

Once temperatures drop, liquid water becomes hard to find:

Ponds, puddles, and streams freeze solid

Snow isn’t an efficient water source—animals burn energy warming it

Cold, dry air pulls moisture from their bodies

Small animals lose water quickly and need to replace it often

A bird or squirrel can often go longer without food than without water.
But when every source is locked under ice, even a healthy animal can become dehydrated fast.

💧 How You Can Help Wildlife This Winter

It takes less than a minute and costs nothing.

1. Set out a shallow dish

Choose one that’s 1–2 inches deep so small animals stay safe.

2. Fill it with warm water twice a day

Morning: after nighttime freezing

Evening: before temperatures drop again

3. Add a tennis ball

A little movement in the wind can help slow down freezing.

This simple step can support:
Birds
Squirrels
Foxes
Rabbits
Raccoons
Deer (in suburban areas)

…and any animal that can’t break through ice to drink.

❤️ Complete the Circle of Care

You filled the feeder.
Now fill the water dish.

A small effort for you can be a lifeline for them.

08/23/2026

* NEVER LEAVE AN INJURED TURTLE, TAKE IT WITH YOU NOW!
* NEVER PUT AN INJURED TURTLE IN THE WOODS!
ALWAYS GET HELP, THEY ARE NOT DEAD AND CANNOT HEAL ON THEIR OWN!

* NEVER PLACE A BRACKISH AQUATIC SPECIES (DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN) IN FRESH WATER, OR IN THE WOODS
* NEVER PLACE ANY SPECIES IN THE OCEAN!
* NEVER PICK UP A TURTLE BY THEIR TAIL!

08/23/2026

STOP the formula and feeding anything NOW!! Give Pedialyte and a lil clear karo and contact a licensed wildlife rehabber, DNR list, AHNow.org. Make sure person is licensed.
I usually advice everyone not to feed at all until you get to a licensed rehabber but since you have already been feeding the wrong thing I would rather get the system flushed and rehydrated to give baby a chance to survive.
1. Warm baby
2. Warm Pedialyte give 5% babies weight in grams and every 4hrs for now example 500 grams would be 25cc pedialyte
3. Clear Karo on tip of finger and rub on gums

1. Feeding wrong things can kill it
2. Feeding when baby isn’t warmed can kill it
3. Feeding baby cold fluids can kill it
4. Not rehydrating first can kill baby

Animal Help Now provides the best wildlife 911 app and helps humans be better neighbors to wildlife. The nonprofit serves the entire United States.

08/23/2026

Educational Post:

If you find any wildlife assess if it needs help, if not sure contact a licensed wildlife rehab and send them all info and pics.

DO NOT feed, give water, or anything until you talk to a licensed wildlife rehab

Opossums- If you find it not with mom and under 2 lbs or 14” get it to a licensed Wildlife Rehab

Raccoons- If you find and under —lbs and not injured or sick try reuniting with mom. Momma raccoons are great moms.

07/06/2026

Our day never ends!! Just got these 2 in. Their mom got hit and 7 siblings all dead!! Rehabbing is a 24/7 job. Calls and text coming in all hours, feeding young round clock, cleaning cages and wounds, teaching them how to live in the wild and more.

07/06/2026

See how Miracle’s Wildlife Rehab is making a difference through compassion and care—visit our website to learn more and get involved. Our mission is to Reunite wildlife 1st, Rescue 2nd, Rehab 3rd, and Release back to the wild where they belong 4th. We can't do what we do without the help of our community. We do not get paid to do what we do, it's all done by donations or our own money. You can Donate to our cause by Cash-app, Venmo, or we have an Amazon wishlist or drop off donation. We appreciate any and all help we get, ever donation helps us help one more wildlife that needs our help. Thank You to all of our supporters!!!