Wildlife Education

Michigan Wildlife:

What You Need to Know

Michigan is home to hundreds of native wildlife species. It's important to understand how to help injured animals safely and legally, and to know how the rehabilitation system works. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Michigan wildlife and how to respond if you find an animal in need.Found an Animal? Get Help Now

First Response

What to do when you find an animal

1

Observe before you act

Watch for 30–60 minutes from a distance. Many animals that appear injured or abandoned are not — parents are often nearby. Movement and loud noises will keep them away.

2

Assess the situation

A baby animal on the ground without feathers or fur, an animal that cannot move away from you, or one that is visibly bleeding or injured needs help. "Fledglings" (young birds with some feathers) are usually learning to fly and should be left alone.

3

Contain safely — do not feed or water

Place the animal in a cardboard box with air holes and a towel in the bottom. Keep it dark, warm, and quiet. Do not feed it or give it water — this can cause aspiration or metabolic shock.

4

Contact a licensed rehabilitator

Use WildWise's "Found an Animal" tool to get connected with a licensed rehabber near you. You can also call the DNR at 1-800-292-7800.

The System

How Michigan wildlife rehabilitation works

Michigan's wildlife rehabilitation system is a network of licensed individuals operating under the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Licensed Rehabilitators

Primary permit holders. They have passed training requirements and hold an DNR Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit. They are responsible for all animals in their care and for supervising sub-permittees.

Sub-permittees

Individuals who work under a licensed rehabber's permit. They can receive and care for animals but must be affiliated with and supervised by their sponsoring rehabber.

Transport Volunteers

Volunteers who transport animals from finders to rehabilitators. They do not provide care — only safe, covered transport. No permit required, but training is recommended.

Licensed Veterinarians

Vets who partner with the rehabilitation system to provide medical care. They can treat wildlife without a separate rehab permit when working with a licensed rehabber.

Keeping native wildlife without a permit is a violation of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, even if your intentions are good.

Michigan DNR, Wildlife Division
Common Species

Wildlife you might encounter in Michigan

01
Birds

Songbirds & Raptors

Window strikes are the #1 cause of songbird injuries. Raptors are often hit by vehicles. Both require species-specific care — never attempt to feed.

Quick tipPlace in a dark, ventilated box. Do not wear gloves with small birds — the pressure can injure them.
02
Mammals

Deer, Rabbits & Squirrels

Baby cottontails with eyes open and ears up are usually independent. White-tailed deer fawns found alone are almost always NOT abandoned — mothers leave fawns for hours at a time.

Quick tipLeave fawns alone unless they are crying, injured, or you've confirmed the doe has been killed.
03
Waterfowl

Ducks, Geese & Herons

Fishing line entanglement is the most common waterfowl emergency. Herons and bitterns are dangerous to handle — their bills can cause serious eye injuries.

Quick tipWear eye protection when handling herons. Use a towel to wrap the bird and pin the bill.
04
Reptiles

Turtles & Snakes

Turtles hit by cars may look dead but often survive with care. If you move a turtle off a road, always move it in the direction it was heading — never relocate it.

Quick tipSnapping turtles require careful handling. Use a blunt object to guide them, never pick up by the tail.