Wildlife FAQs - Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center

Question 1

Are you open to the public?

Accepted Answer

No, we are not. We keep a low stress environment for our in-care wildlife by limiting human contact. Call us for more information about our private tours.

Question 2

Can I volunteer with CWCC?

Accepted Answer

Carolina Wildlife is currently accepting volunteer applications. Please go to the volunteer tab at https://www.carolinaconservation.org/volunteer to learn more.

Question 3

What licensing do you have?

Accepted Answer

We are licensed wildlife rehabilitators by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. We are not authorized to hold any wildlife other than those animals in the process of being rehabilitated for release. Specially permitted animals are authorized to stay in captivity for educational purposes only. We rehabilitate all native mammals and reptiles. We are also rabies vaccinated and keep our titers up to date.

Question 4

How do I know if wildlife that I have found needs help?

Accepted Answer

Five signs that wildlife needs help: Injury – bleeding, limping, swelling, dragging a limb, wing dropping, flies buzzing around the animal. Illness – runny nose/goopy eyes, insects crawling on and around, limp or barely responsive, approaching humans. Orphaned – parents are confirmed dead. Abandoned – reuniting attempts have failed, infant is distressed, weak, injured, or ill. Danger – immediate and/or life threatening (e.g., pet is stalking, animal is in the road, etc.).

Question 5

What do I do if I have found wildlife that needs help?

Accepted Answer

Follow the information on the 'Found Wildlife' page. If the animal is injured, gently place it in a ventilated box in a dark, quiet, warm place. You can place a heating pad on low under half the box. Do not attempt to feed or water the animal. Please call us immediately for next steps.

Question 6

Should I feed the wildlife?

Accepted Answer

No. Wildlife can survive without food for longer than you think. Improper feeding can cause aspiration, digestive issues, or death. Mothers may reject babies that smell unfamiliar if you try to feed them.

Question 7

How do I reunite a baby with its mother?

Accepted Answer

If babies (excluding opossums) show no signs of injury, you can attempt reuniting. Keep them warm with a covered heat source, place them in an accessible container, and leave the area quiet. Check after 2–3 hours. If mom has not returned, call CWCC. Reuniting does not work for opossums — call CWCC immediately if you find one.

Question 8

I have an unwanted snake in my yard.

Accepted Answer

CWCC can help through a relocation network. Many non-venomous snakes help control rodents and venomous snake populations, so relocation is preferred over removal.

Question 9

I found a fawn.

Accepted Answer

Do not take fawns unless they are injured (bleeding, broken bone), covered in fly eggs, crying nonstop, or weak and lying on their side. Otherwise, the mother is likely nearby and will return. Call CWCC if one of the emergency signs is present.

Question 10

I found a nest of bunnies, how do I know if they need help?

Accepted Answer

Mother rabbits only visit the nest briefly at dawn and dusk. If unsure, place string in a tic-tac-toe pattern over the nest and check the next day for disturbance. If the nest is flooded or disturbed by pets, call CWCC.

Question 11

I found a bat. All bats have rabies, right?

Accepted Answer

No. Less than 1% of bats test positive for rabies. Bats are vital insect controllers and many species are endangered. Do not harm them. If you find a bat, follow safe removal instructions at www.batworld.org and avoid skin contact.

Question 12

Why shouldn't I kill Coyotes?

Accepted Answer

Killing coyotes increases their reproduction rates. Packs compensate by producing larger litters when population numbers drop. Humane coexistence is more effective.

Question 13

I saw a fox, raccoon, or skunk during the day. Does it have rabies?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Nursing mothers may forage during the day to meet high energy needs. Only unusual behavior (charging, stumbling, drooling) indicates possible rabies. Contact animal control if you see these signs.

Question 14

I think I saw a furless fox. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

This may be sarcoptic mange, a skin disease caused by mites. It leads to itching, fur loss, infection, and starvation in severe cases. Report suspected mange cases to CWCC.

Question 15

How do I keep an orphaned baby warm?

Accepted Answer

Warmth is critical. Use a heating pad set on low under half of the box, a warm (cloth-wrapped) water bottle, or a microwaved sock filled with rice/beans wrapped in cloth. Always avoid direct skin contact with the heat source.

Wildlife FAQ's