PROGRAMS
Wildlife Center
In March of 2020, Anderson Animal Shelter 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 chances for over 3,000 wild animals each year.
We are proud to welcome Fox Valley Wildlife into the Anderson family. We are fulfilling our mission and saving even more lives. Together.
For Wildlife Emergencies Please Call (847) 697-2880 x25
What To Do If You Find An Animal.
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 an Orphaned Animal
A baby animals 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.
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.
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. For potentially difficult or hard to handle wildlife, use a humane trap. If you plan to use a trap, call Anderson Humane Wildlife Center at (847) 697-2880 x25 for guidance.
• Otherwise, throw a towel or a sheet over the animal so the he can’t see you, gently pick up the animal (wear gloves), and place in the container. 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.
• If you would like more information regarding the animal you find or if you are not sure what to do, call Anderson Humane Wildlife Center at (847) 697-2880 x25.
Helpful Resources
Wildlife Links:
Chicago Bird Collision Monitors
How to Prevent Problems with Wildlife – Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Find a rehabber in your area – Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Domestic Animal Links:
Kane County Animal Control
Kendall County Animal Control
TAILS Humane Society
Other Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers:
Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation – Barrington IL; Chicago, IL
Oaken Acres Wildlife Center – Sycamore, IL (DeKalb County)
Willowbrook Wildlife Center – Glen Ellyn, IL (DuPage County)
Volunteer Or Donate!
Our Wildlife Allies team could always use extra help or donations. We are especially in need of the help, services and items listed below.
Skillsets Needed
| Repair Men / Handy Person |
| Roofers |
| Plumbers |
| People to pick up injured or sick wildlife |
| Kayakers |
| Tree Climbers |
Items Needed
| Motion-detection Cameras |
| Bird / Squirrel / Bat Houses |
| Hardware Cloth |
| Trail Cameras |
| Screws & Nails |
| One-way Doors of Various Sizes |
| Gas Cards |
| Net Guns |
| Scent Deterrents |
Bats in your belfry? Raccoons in your attic? Other wildlife in conflict?
Are you looking for a compassionate, humane approach to solving problems with wildlife in your home or business? Anderson’s trained Wildlife Allies staff will help you assess the situation and determine the best way to move the animals out of harm’s way without harming the animals. Use the button below to contact us or call (847) 697-2880 x53.
Found an orphaned or injured wild animal?
If you have found an injured or orphaned wild animal, call the Anderson Humane Wildlife Center at (847) 697-2880 x25. A trained staff member will help you determine if the animal needs help and guide you through what to do next.
Wildlife Rehab & Donation Drop Off
Anderson Humane Wildlife Center
1000 South La Fox Street
South Elgin, Illinois 60177
Open 8 AM to 6 PM seven days a week.
*Signs will direct you to the Wildlife Intake Entrance*
Mailing Address
Anderson Humane Wildlife Center
Attn: Ashley Kendall
1000 South La Fox Street
South Elgin, Illinois 60177
Open 8 AM to 6 PM seven days a week.
We are not open to the public, but are available every day to care for wildlife.
Mailing Address
Anderson Humane Wildlife Center
Attn: Ashley Kendall
1000 South La Fox Street
South Elgin, Illinois 60177
Open 8 AM to 4 PM seven days a week.
We are not open to the public, but are available every day to care for wildlife.
Wildlife Rehab & Donation Drop Off
Anderson Humane Wildlife Center
1000 South La Fox Street
South Elgin, Illinois 60177
Open 8 AM to 4 PM seven days a week.
*Signs will direct you to the Wildlife Intake Entrance*
Get Involved Today
Volunteer
We can't provide such outstanding care for our animals without the help of dedicated volunteers like you.
Donate
Every dollar makes a difference. Choose a donation level that fits within your budget and make a difference today.
Adopt
Anderson Humane has dozens of adorable adoptables and provides the information you need to find the best animal.
Funding for this website provided by Forefront - the Mission Sustainability Initiative.
Anderson Humane is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. FE #: 36-6164626 Copyright © 2023 by Anderson Humane.
Anderson Humane
1000 S. La Fox Street
South Elgin, IL 60177
(847) 697-2880