Emergency Response Protocol
01
Stay Safe First
Your safety is the priority. Do not approach or attempt to handle any animal. If you are in immediate danger, evacuate the area and call 911 immediately.
02
Document Evidence
Capture sharp, detailed photos from afar. Include the creature, its environment, and any trauma. These images are vital for rescue teams to properly evaluate the urgency and provide specialized care.
03
Record Location
Use your smartphone to record the GPS coordinates of the location. This information helps local wildlife hotlines and rescue teams locate the animal quickly during emergencies.
04
Contact Wildlife Rescue Hub
Contact the Wildlife Rescue Hub at info@wildliferescuehub.org or call our dedicated emergency hotline. Provide all the details you have gathered, including photos and location data, to ensure the fastest possible response.
 Identifying Animal in Distress
Signs of Distress
- Visible wounds, bleeding, or broken limbs
- Covered in oil, tar, or entangled in fishing line
- Unable to fly or move away when approached
- Disoriented, circling, or having seizures
- Cold, wet, or crying incessantly (orphaned young)
Normal Behavior
- Fledgling birds hopping on the ground (parents nearby)
- Turtles crossing roads to lay eggs or find water
- Raccoons foraging during daylight hours
- Animals sunbathing or remaining frozen to hide
- Mothers leaving young alone for hours while feeding
Understanding the difference between a wildlife emergency and natural behavior is key to keeping animals safe and ensuring they receive help only when truly needed. Use these signs to evaluate the situation from a safe distance.
Help us identify and protect Florida's wildlife. Share your observations with the global community to support conservation efforts and scientific research.