Found An Animal

The Wildlife In Need Center accepts all species of Wisconsin wildlife except skunks (prohibited by the DNR), annually treating up to 3,000 animals of over 140 species. Over 62,000 injured, sick or orphaned animals have passed through the Wildlife in Need Center’s doors since January 1, 1994.

Report Sick or Dead Wildlife

If you observe five or more sick or dead birds, or three or more sick or dead mammals in one area, please email the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. As of January 2020, the Division of Public Health no longer collects dead birds for West Nile Virus testing.  Due to this change, the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline has been disconnected.  Individual dead birds can be discarded in your regular trash.  To dispose of a bird carcass, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to place the carcass in a garbage bag.  Do no handle dead wildlife with bare hands.  

Reports of a single sick or dead animal of the following species should be made to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:  banded loons, peregrine falcons, eagles with leg bands, trumpeter swans with leg bands or neck collars, osprey with leg bands, greater prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse, bats, wolves, American marten, raccoons, snakes, bear, elk and deer. 

Coyotes

Coyotes can be found throughout the state of Wisconsin. Occasionally we hear of a sighting in the area, but not often. Coyotes are scavengers and typically are not aggressive toward humans. Usually any loud noise will scare them off. The DNR recommends removing bird feeders and outside pet containers; making loud noise, throwing rocks or spraying them with a hose when coyotes are sighted and leaving on outdoor lights at night. After a few days, they will often leave the area.  If you have concerns about a coyote near your home, you should call the Wisconsin DNR at 1-888-936-7463 (toll free).

Resources

• Guidelines for People with Beaver Damage Problems
• West Nile Virus Brochure
• Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Wildlife in Need Center