Wildlife is part of what makes North Idaho special. But if you find an injured bird, a deer that appears to be in distress, or a baby animal alone, it can be hard to know what to do.
The best first step is to keep your distance and contact the appropriate wildlife professional. Not every animal that appears to need help is injured or abandoned, and handling wildlife can put both you and the animal at risk.
This guide provides contacts and resources for people who find wild animals in Bonner and Boundary Counties, Idaho.
Who should I call?
Wildlife emergency or an injured wild mammal
Contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) for guidance. For injured wildlife outside regular business hours, Idaho Fish and Game recommends contacting your county sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch.
- Idaho Fish and Game, Panhandle Region: (208) 769-1414
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding state holidays.
If there is immediate danger to a person or an urgent public-safety threat, call 911.
An injured bird or bird of prey
Birds of Prey Northwest specializes in raptors and certain other birds.
- Phone: (208) 245-1367
- Alternate phone: (208) 582-0797
Call before attempting to capture or transport a bird. Confirm that the organization can assist with the species you found.
A wild animal that may need rehabilitation
American Heritage Wildlife Foundation (AHWF) provides wildlife rehabilitation and conservation services in North Idaho.
- Phone: (208) 266-1488
- Important: Call and leave a message. AHWF specifically asks people who have found a wild animal to call rather than email or text. A volunteer will return the message if available.
- Contact instructions
Contact them to discuss the animal and determine whether rehabilitation is appropriate.
County contacts for after-hours wildlife concerns
Idaho Fish and Game advises people to contact their county sheriff’s non-emergency line when injured wildlife is found outside regular office hours. Dispatch can relay the information to a Fish and Game officer when appropriate.
Bonner County Sheriff’s Office
- Non-emergency dispatch: (208) 265-5525
- Address: 4001 N. Boyer Road, Sandpoint, ID 83864
- Official animal control and contact information
Bonner County Animal Control primarily handles domestic animals and livestock. For wild animals, contact dispatch for direction to the appropriate agency.
Boundary County Sheriff’s Office
- Phone: (208) 267-3151
- Address: 6438 Kootenai St., Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
- Official sheriff’s office website
For an after-hours wildlife concern, call the sheriff’s office and explain the animal’s condition and location. Call 911 for an emergency.
What to do when you find a wild animal
1. Observe from a safe distance.
Keep children and pets away. Note the animal’s location, behavior and any visible injuries. Do not approach animals that could be dangerous.
2. Don’t assume a baby animal is abandoned.
Deer fawns, young rabbits and other wildlife may be left alone while their parents forage. Unless there is clear evidence of a problem, leave the animal where it is and contact Fish and Game for advice if you remain concerned.
3. Don’t feed, medicate or handle the animal.
Wildlife has specialized care requirements, and handling may cause additional stress or injury. Do not attempt to raise a wild animal yourself. Follow instructions from a qualified wildlife professional.
4. Call before transporting it.
Not every animal needs rehabilitation, and not every rehabilitator accepts every species. Confirm that a facility can accept the animal and ask for instructions before moving it.
Sources: Idaho Fish and Game — Finding Injured or Orphaned Wildlife and Idaho Fish and Game — Baby Animals Are Better Off When Left Alone.
Additional wildlife resources
- Sick or dead wildlife: Use the Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Health Reporting Form for non-emergency reports involving unusual illness or mortality. The agency notes that it reviews reports but does not respond to all of them.
- Suspected poaching or wildlife crime: Call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999. This number is for reporting wildlife violations, not general injured-animal calls.
- More wildlife rehabilitation information: The Association of Idaho Wildlife Rehabber Support lists wildlife rehabilitation organizations in Idaho, including several in the Panhandle region. Contact individual organizations to confirm current availability and the species they accept.
Better Together Animal Alliance primarily serves domestic animals and is not the default contact for wild animal rehabilitation. The contacts above are provided to help community members reach the appropriate resources.
