What to Do if You Find a Sick or Injured Bird of Prey

“What should I do if I see a sick or injured bird of prey?”

This is a very common question we receive. If you’re unsure how to help properly, you may unintentionally make the situation worse or cause harm to the bird’s wellbeing. If you encounter a sick or injured bird of prey, please follow the steps outlined below.

Step #1 - Assess from a distance

● Do not approach immediately.

● Keep people and pets away.

● Assess condition visually, record location and take photos, videos to share with rescue.

● If possible, while contacting a Licensed Wildlife Custodian/rehabber, keep eyes on the animal.

Step #2 - Call for guidance

● Contact a licensed wildlife custodian.

● Find a rehabilitator: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-wildlife-rehabilitator

● Report sick/dead birds: https://cwhc.wildlifesubmissions.org/

● For raptors in Thunder Bay/Northwestern Ontario: Call or text the TWR emergency line.

Step #3 - If instructed to contain (only if safe)

● Wear heavy gloves and eye protection.

● Cover the injured bird with a towel and gently place it in a ventilated box.

● Place the bird into a ventilated cardboard box.

● Keep in a quiet, dark space until transfer.

● Do not offer food or water.

Step #4 - Reporting and disease safety

● Sick or dead wild birds: report to CWHC (link above).

● Window collisions (songbirds/corvids): see FLAP Canada guidance: https://flap.org