Wildlife Center

Providing rescue guidance, medical treatment, and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned animals throughout our region.

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Contact Us

wildlife@ahconnects.org
(847) 697-2880 x25

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Visit Us

45W061 IL-38 Elburn, IL 60119
8am – 4pm, seven days a week

Wildlife Rescue Advice

If you find a wild animal, call our wildlife center at (847) 697-2880 x25 to confirm if assistance is needed. After hours, find more resources here.

Please note, we have specific admission criteria for different species. If an animal does not meet these, please consult this list for other resources. Our trained staff can provide a compassionate care and guide you on what to do next.

Our wildlife program is made possible with generous support from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

What to Do If You Find a Sick or Injured Animal

Use caution when handling sick or injured wildlife. Animals can be aggressive when wounded and frightened, and some animals can also carry diseases that can be transferred to humans and pets. Once the animal is contained, contact our wildlife center at (847) 697-2880 x25 or another licensed rehabilitator.

What to Do If You Find a Baby Animal

A baby animal’s best chance for survival is always with the parent. If you know or strongly suspect that the parent has been killed or can no longer care for the young, rehabilitation may be required.

If you find a baby animal that requires care, keep it in a warm, dark, quiet place and call our wildlife center at (847) 697-2880 x25 or another licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Handle the baby the least amount possible and DO NOT FEED IT. Improper care, handling, and feeding can compromise the baby’s health, recovery, and chances for eventual release. Wildlife at any age are severely stressed in a human’s care. What we see as comfort, such as holding and cuddling, they see as a life-threatening situation. This stress can have a serious impact on their health and can even be fatal.

How to Safely Contain a Wild Animal

How to safely contain a wild animal for transport to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator:

Find a suitable container (cardboard box, plastic tote). The container must be large enough to hold the animal comfortably and have a lid that can be secured.
Place the container upside down over the animal, entrapping it against the ground. Ensure that all parts of the animal (wings, tail) are contained.
Slide a stiff piece of cardboard or similar material fully under the container.
Gently turn the container right-side up, using the piece of cardboard to keep the animal inside.
Once the container is right-side up, remove the piece of cardboard and secure the lid on the container. Again, ensure that all parts of the animal are contained.
Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place. Do not offer food or water. Leave the animal alone.

Once the animal is contained, contact our wildlife center at 847-697-2880 x25 or another licensed rehabilitator.

Common Mammals We Accept

We care for raccoons, eastern cottontails, eastern gray squirrels, eastern chipmunks, Virginia opossums, and many more species. Click here to view the full list of mammals we accept.

Common Birds We Accept

We care for American Robins, Mourning Doves, Mallards, Chimney Swifts, Great Horned Owls, and many other native birds. Click here to view the full list of birds we accept.

Species We Cannot Accept (And Where to Get Help)

We are unable to accept non-native species such as House Sparrows, European Starlings, House Mice, Norway Rats, and Red-eared Sliders, as they are considered invasive. Click here for help and resources.