Two baby owls in a tree at SARC

Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

Learn what to do if you find injured or orphaned wildlife in Surrey.

Surrey is home to diverse wildlife habitats that are often influenced by urban, suburban and rural development. The interactions between people and their natural environment raise many issues and concerns from residents and presents challenges for Surrey’s wildlife.

The Government of British Columbia provides information on what to do if you find sick, injured, or dead wildlife. 

If you find an orphaned or injured wild animal, please contact one of the organizations below. 

I found a baby bird

If the bird is hurt or stuck (unable to flutter wings, bleeding, weak, or attacked by a dog/cat), call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1-855-622-7722.

If it is not hurt and has feathers:

  • The bird is a fledgling. Normal behaviour for fledglings is to be hopping on the ground since it's parents are still feeding it.
  • If it is safe from cats, dogs, and people, leave it alone.
  • If it is in an unsafe area, gently herd the bird to bushes or nearby shelter and observe it from a distance for an hour.
  • If the parents visit, leave the area. The baby is ok. If the parents don't visit, call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1-855-622-7722 for advice.

If it is not hurt and doesn't have feathers:

  • The bird is a nestling. If you can't find an intact nest, call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline for advice.
  • If you can find an intact nest, place the baby back in the nest and observe it from a distance for an hour.
  • If the parents visit, leave the area. The baby is ok. If the parents don't visit, call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1-855-622-7722 for advice.

Check out the BC SPCA's What to do if you find a baby bird brochure or see the infographic below for more information.

Baby bird infographic on what to do if you find one
I've found a deer fawn

If the fawn is hurt or acting abnormal (following you, laying on their side, or wandering and crying), call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1-855-622-7722.

If it is not hurt and is laying quietly, curled up:

  • Fawn is in a healthy and normal situation. Mum should return around dawn or dusk. 

If it is not hurt and is on a road:

  • Move the fawn gently to a safe spot very close, so mum can find them.
  • Wear gloves or use a towel/blanket. Rub gloves or towel/blanket in grass or dirt before handling the fawn
  • Monitor the fawn by checking back two hours after dawn or dusk. If the fawn hasn't moved in 24 hours, call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1-855-622-7722 for advice.

Check out the BC SPCA's "What to do if you find a deer fawn" brochure for more information

Found a baby deer infographic of what to do

​​​​​​What to do if you find a deer fawn infographic from the BC SPCA

 

 

I've found a baby seal

If the seal pup is deceased call the DFO Marine Mammal reporting Hotline at 1-800-465-4336

If the seal pup is hurt or skinny (visible neck distinguishing head from body; visible skin rolls), call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1-855-622-7722.

If it is not hurt and is laying propped on its side; seems alert and aware:

  • The pup is likely healthy and in a normal situation. Mum should return within a few hours. 

If it is not hurt but displaying any of the following symptoms call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1-855-622-7722:

  • Laying flat on its tummy; seems lethargic and sleepy
  • Umbilical ford is visible on the pup's belly
  • Covered in white/silver fur

Check out the BC SPCA's "What to do if you find a baby seal" brochure for more information

Baby seal infographic on what to do if you find one
What to do if you find a baby seal infographic by the BC SPCA

 

 

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