Wildlife Resources
From small birds and mammals to larger wildlife, we offer guidance on identifying common injuries, handling animals safely, and locating wildlife rehabilitators and rescue organizations near you.
Our goal is to empower compassionate individuals like you to make informed, quick decisions that can save lives and provide the care wildlife need to recover.
To determine if the animal is truly injured, look for these signs:
- The animal is unable to fly, stand, walk, or run when approached by a human.
- There is an obvious large wound (cuts, broken exposed bones, or bleeding).
- The animal has been attacked by a predator (dog, cat, another wild animal).
- You witnessed the animal being hit by a vehicle.
- The animal is vomiting or experiencing uncontrolled diarrhea.
- Heavy panting for an extended period of time.
If you encounter a deer, bear, moose, or turkey that exhibits the conditions listed above please contact a MDIFW biologist or game warden.
MDIFW Biologist/Game Warden Directory:
https://www.maine.gov/ifw/about/contact/department-directory.html
For all other species, please contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator or Animal Damage Control Agent.
Animal Damage Control Agent:
https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/avoid-resolve-conflict/index.html
Maine Warden Service
Gray - (800) 228-0857
Augusta - (800) 452-4664
Bangor - (800) 432-7381
Houlton - (800) 924-2261
Learn more about local wildlife rescue services, safe handling protocols, and best practices for transporting injured animals with the resources below.
Local Wildlife Rescue Organizations
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was established in 1880 to protect Maine's big game populations. Today, the Department's wildlife division works to preserve, protect, and enhance all of Maine's wildlife resources including non-game wildlife and the state's endangered and threatened species.
https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/index.html
Avian Haven
Nestled in the beauty of Freedom, Maine, Avian Haven was incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization by Marc Payne and Diane Winn in 1999. Over the years their annual patient load has increased from 300 to more than 3,000 birds, making them one of the largest avian rehabilitation centers in New England. Approximately 34,000 birds from more than 100 species have been treated at Avian Haven. They care for wild birds that are orphaned, sick, and/or injured, with a goal of releasing them back into the wild.
https://avianhaven.org/
Center for Wildlife
Center for Wildlife is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate and strengthen relationships between humans, wildlife and the environment resulting in a healthier, more sustainable community. CFW proudly serves the New England region, typically managing 2,000 patients each year (native wildlife injured because of vehicle collisions, domestic pets, pollution, fishing lines, oil spills, and other human-related causes), representing more than 190 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. The goal of their wildlife clinic is to not only medically treat and provide rehabilitation to injured wild animals so that they can be released back to the wild, but also use data collected to better support broad systemic change.
https://www.thecenterforwildlife.org/
Saco River Wildlife Center
Saco River Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide rehabilitative care to Maine’s ill, injured, or orphaned wildlife and to promote compassion and awareness through educational resources and programs.
https://sacoriverwildlifecenter.org/
Acadia Wildlife Center
Acadia Wildlife Center (AWC) was started in 1994 to care for injured or orphaned native wildlife. Patients are treated by trained professionals with licenses from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife of Maine, and the federal government. Animals are brought to our clinic by game wardens, vets, police, marine patrol, and by many members of the general public. AWC is located on fifteen acres of private land adjacent to Acadia National Park.
https://acadiawildlife.org/
HSUS Wild Neighbors
The Humane Society of the United States works with community leaders and animal care and control agencies to create Wild Neighbors communities, where humane and non-lethal solutions are given priority when addressing conflicts between people and wildlife. Learn more about the innovative and effective approaches you can take to solve any wild animal problems you encounter in your home, yard or garden.
https://www.humanesociety.org/wildlife-management-solutions
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