What To Do If You Find an Injured Raptor

Call the College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital immediately at (573) 882-7821 or call (573) 882-4589 after 5pm and on weekends. Raptor Rehabilitation Project members will be paged and arrange to retrieve the bird and admit it to the hospital.

Normally, wild animals will not let you approach them unless they are sick or injured. Raptors have sharp talons and powerful beaks which they can use to protect themselves. Even young or injured birds can be a serious threat. For this reason, the Raptor Rehabilitation Project recommends that you contact us instead of trying to handle or care for a bird yourself.

If you believe a bird is in imminent danger and you feel comfortable moving it, the following precautions should be taken:

• Wear thick gloves, such as welding gloves
  
• Gently throw a towel over the bird (this may help to calm it)
  
• Be aware of defensive posturing, which involves a bird lying on its back and attacking with its talons
  
• Carefully move the bird to a box or dog kennel
  
• Keep the bird in a dark, quiet room
  
• Do not offer food or water
  
• Call the of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital immediately