What to do if you find sick, injured, or dead wildlife

Last updated on November 29, 2022

This page provides information on what to do if you find sick, injured, or dead wildlife.

On this page:


General information on sick, injured, or dead wildlife

​​If you suspect wildlife may be dangerous:

Please call the Conservation Officer Service’s 24/7 Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

If you find sick, injured, or dead wildlife, please:

  • Take photos or a video of the wildlife for assessment
  • Note the location of the wildlife
  • Do not handle the animal

It is illegal to possess live or dead wildlife in British Columbia without a permit. See below for information on how to report different wildlife species.


How to report a sick, injured, or dead animal: 

Sick or injured wildlife must not be moved or touched without instructions from a wildlife professional. Sick or injured animals can become more stressed if handled incorrectly.

  • Do not touch or move dead wildlife with your bare hands. Use disposable gloves and, if necessary, move wildlife with a tool or garbage bag
  • Do not dispose of dead wildlife in your green/compost bin
  • Check your local municipality for information on carcass disposal

For more information on handling carcasses while hunting, please see our infographic on Safe Game Meat Handling (PDF, 149 KB)

Amphibians (example: frog, toads, salamanders)

Frog Image

Sick, injured, or dead frogs or other amphibians:

  • Every observation is important. Any information about frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards and turtles helps us to identify trends, areas of conservation concern and measures that need to be taken.
  • Some wildlife rehabilitation centres will take amphibians. Search the Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Network of B.C.
  • Report sick, injured, or dead frogs and other amphibians to BC Frogwatch

Bats

Bat image

Sick, injured, or dead bats:


Birds

Bird Image

Sick or injured birds:

Dead birds:


Small mammals (example: raccoons, rabbits, squirrels)

Squirrel Image

Sick or injured small mammals:

Dead small mammals:

  • Dead wildlife with suspected illness should be reported to Wildlife Health: 250-751-7246

Large mammals (example: deer, elk, sheep, bears)

Deer Image

Wildlife with suspected illness should be reported to the B.C. Wildlife Health Program: 250-751-7246

Sick or injured large mammals:

  • Rehabilitation centres may not be able to take large or adult mammals. Check the Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Network of B.C. for a local rehabilitation centre that may be able to assist.
  • If you are concerned about an injured large animal, leave the animal where it is and call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line: 1-877-952-7277

Dead large mammals:

  • Report dead deer and other wildlife to local Public Works, Road Maintenance, or Animal Control departments for removal. If the deer is on private property, it may be your responsibility to dispose. Please contact your local municipality for more information

Marine mammals/Sea turtles

Sea Otters Image

Injured or dead marine mammals:


Further information on wildlife health

For more information on wildlife health in British Columbia or if you are unsure of what to do if you have found sick, injured, or dead wildlife:

 

Stay Healthy Around Wildlife
Wildlife health

Learn more about wildlife health and diseases here:

Wildlife health