Wildlife Help in South Louisiana

When to Help — and When to Leave Wildlife Alone

South Louisiana is full of beautiful wildlife. During spring and summer, many baby animals are found alone — but that doesn’t always mean they need rescuing. Knowing when to step in (and when not to) can make all the difference.

General Rule: Observe First

Wild parents often leave babies hidden while they search for food and will return when it’s safe. If the animal is quiet, uninjured, and in a safe place — it usually does not need help.

Wildlife Needs Help If:

  • Injured, bleeding, or attacked by a pet

  • Covered in flies or fire ants

  • Weak, lethargic, or unresponsive

  • A deceased mother is nearby

  • Caught by a dog/cat (even if no wounds seen)

  • Found in a dangerous location (road, parking lot, etc.)

 Important Reminders

  • Do NOT attempt to raise wildlife yourself

  • Do not give food or water

  • Keep pets and children away

  • Place in a quiet box only if instructed

  • Always call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator first

Species-Specific Guidance

Squirrels

Leave alone: Fully furred, eyes open, active babies. Mom is likely nearby.
Needs help: Naked babies, cold, crying continuously, or if the nest was destroyed.

Raccoons

Leave alone: Babies sleeping together in a den or tree. Mom forages at night.
Needs help: Wandering alone crying, injured, or covered in parasites.

Rabbits

Leave alone: Small grass nest in yard with babies. Mom only visits a few times daily.
Needs help: Injured by pets, nest destroyed, or babies cold and scattered.

Deer (Fawns)

Leave alone: Lying quietly alone and not moving. This is normal.
Needs help: Crying nonstop, wandering, injured, or mother confirmed deceased.

Coyotes

Do NOT approach.
Call wildlife control/rehabber if:

  • Injured

  • Not afraid of people

  • Seen during day acting sick or aggressive

Wild Birds

Leave alone: Feathered baby birds on the ground (fledglings learning to fly).
Needs help: No feathers, obvious injury, or caught by a cat/dog.

Bats

Never handle bats with bare hands.
Needs help: Found on ground, inside home, or active during daytime.
Call a rehabber immediately.

Opossums

Leave alone: Large juveniles walking alone (over ~7–9 inches long).
Needs help: Very small babies alone or attached to deceased mother.

Wood Ducks & Ducklings

Leave alone: Ducklings following mom or seen near water.
Needs help: Wandering alone peeping loudly, trapped in drains/yards, or injured.

Louisiana Wildlife Rehab Contacts

Start Here First

Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
800-442-2511
225-765-2800

List of permitted wildlife rehabilitaors: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/permitted-wildlife-rehabilitators

Acadiana & South Louisiana

Acadiana Wildlife Education & Rehab – Youngsville
337-288-5146
Website: https://www.acadianawildlife.org/

For The Birds of Acadiana (birds only) – Lafayette
337-501-4523 (call/text first)
Website: https://www.forthebirdsofacadiana.com/

Wild Nature Rescue – Prairieville/Baton Rouge
Website: https://wildnaturerescue.org/

LSU Wildlife Hospital – Baton Rouge
225-578-9600

Additional Louisiana Resources

Wildlife Education & Rehab of Louisiana (WERLA)
318-405-2282

Silent Voices Wildlife Rehab – SE Louisiana
504-717-9767

Audubon Aquarium Rescue (marine wildlife)
877-942-5343

From Our WVC Team

Wildlife plays an important role in our Louisiana ecosystem. When in doubt, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening.

Helping wildlife the right way gives them the best chance to return safely to the wild. Thank you for your care and support.