OUR WILDLIFE CENTER

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.

For questions, email [email protected] or (847) 697-2880 x25

Anderson Humane’s Wildlife Center
1000 South La Fox Street
South Elgin, Illinois 60177
Open 8 AM to 2 PM seven days a week.

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

I Found an Animal

Keeping any wildlife is illegal unless you have the proper licenses to do so. Call Anderson Humane Wildlife Center at (847) 697-2880 x25 and a trained staff member will help you determine if the animal needs help and guide you through what to do next.

I Found 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. We advise keeping spare towels, gloves, and a container inside your vehicle to better assist in transporting sick or injured wildlife to a licensed facility.

I Found an Orphaned 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 a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. 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, pet carrier). Line it with a towel or cloth.

• Throw a towel or a sheet over the animal so they can’t see you, gently pick up the animal (wear thick gloves), and place in a container with proper ventilation. You don’t need to remove the towel, but loosen it. Secure the container to make sure the animal cannot escape.

• Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place. Do not offer food or water. Leave the animal alone.

SPECIES WE ACCEPT

Click here to see our entire list of accepted mammals.

Click here to see our entire list of accepted birds.

Click here to learn why these species are damaging to our ecosystem. Click here to read our letter.

OUR RESOURCES

Want to try to alleviate a wildlife issue on your own? We have the resources to help!

Click the documents below for step-by-step processes and helpful tips!

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Did you know our organization is not government funded? We are a non profit organziation, which means that we rely on donations from people like you. We absolutely love the work we do, and with your support we can continue our mission to save more lives.

VOLUNTEER

Participate in rescuing and picking up injured or sick animals in distress.

Feeding baby wildlife.

Rebuilding & repairing wildlife enclosures.

Working with injured wildlife.

SHOP OUR WISH LIST

10 cc, 20cc, 30 cc, 60cc, 1 ml syringes
Bee Pollen
Distilled Water
Dried Mealworms
Formula Warmer
Forceps
Garden Shears
Gram Scale
Qtips
Laundry Detergent
Nitrile Gloves
Miracle Nursing Nipple
Rescue Net
Sponges
Steel Cut Oats
Timothy Hay
Transport Bin
Tissues
Top Soil
Memory Card
Unshelled Nuts
UVB lights

Shop our Amazon Wishlist by clicking here!

OUR HISTORY

In March of 2020 Anderson Humane merged with Fox Valley Wildlife Center, Kane County’s largest wildlife rehabilitation and education programming provider. For nearly 20 years, Fox Valley Wildlife Center’s expert staff and passionate and committed volunteers have worked hard to save the lives of thousands of orphaned and injured wild animals, providing second changes for over 3,000 wild animals each year.

We are proud to welcome Fox Valley Wildlife into the Anderson Humane family. We are fulfilling our missions and saving even more lives, together.