When should I call a wildlife rescue number in Massachusetts?

Call a wildlife rescue number in Massachusetts if an animal is visibly injured, bleeding, trapped, unable to move normally, or behaving abnormally near people, homes, roads or public areas.

What information should I have ready before calling a wildlife hotline?

Have your exact location, a short description of the animal, visible injuries, how long you have observed the situation, and whether the animal is near a road, building or people. Observe from a distance and keep children and pets away.

Can I move or transport injured wildlife myself?

Do not handle or transport wild animals unless a licensed rehabilitator or wildlife professional gives you specific instructions. Many species can bite, scratch or carry diseases, and improper handling may worsen injuries.

Are wildlife rescue services free?

Most wildlife rehabilitators in Massachusetts are privately funded or volunteer-based. Many do not charge for emergency advice, but may accept or suggest donations to support their work.

Home › Cape Cod wildlife rescue numbers

Emergency wildlife help · Cape Cod

Wildlife Rescue Numbers on Cape Cod

If you have found an injured or orphaned wild animal on Cape Cod – in Barnstable, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Chatham, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro or Provincetown – use the numbers below to reach trained wildlife professionals. Call first, keep your distance and follow the instructions you receive.

Statewide hotlines

Regional rescue contacts

What to do before calling

Safety for people & animals

Wildlife on Cape Cod

Cape Cod is shaped by beaches, dunes, salt marshes, tidal flats, kettle ponds and pitch pine–oak woodlands. These habitats support shorebirds, seabirds, ospreys, terns, gulls, seals, river otters, foxes, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, turtles and many migratory songbirds. Wildlife movements often follow the shoreline, marsh edges and road corridors, especially around dawn, dusk and during seasonal migrations.

In spring and early summer many calls involve young birds or mammals exposed in yards, dunes or marsh edges while adults forage. Most apparently “alone” juveniles are not abandoned and should not be handled. Intervention is recommended only when there are clear signs of injury, prolonged immobility, or immediate danger from traffic, pets, or heavy human activity on the beach.

Cape Cod’s beaches, dunes, marshes and ponds create year-round habitat for coastal and migratory wildlife, from shorebirds and turtles to seals and small mammals.

Key wildlife rescue numbers for Cape Cod

Tap a number to call. Start with the Cape Cod wildlife centers or marine mammal hotline when appropriate; if they are unavailable, use the statewide MassWildlife and emergency contacts.

Cape wildlife hospital

Cape Wildlife Center

Wildlife hospital in West Barnstable caring for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals from across Cape Cod.

Wildlife hotline: 508‑362‑0111
After hours (emergency only): 617‑835‑6845

Wildlife rehabilitation

Wild Care Cape Cod

Rehabilitation center in Eastham providing help for injured, orphaned and sick wildlife and offering advice by phone.

Wildlife helpline: 508‑240‑2255
Typical hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm daily.

Marine mammals

IFAW – Marine Mammal Rescue

Responds to stranded or injured seals, dolphins and whales on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts.

Stranding hotline: 508‑743‑9548
Call only for stranded or dead marine mammals.

Statewide hotline

MassWildlife – Statewide Assistance

State agency providing guidance on injured or sick wildlife and information on licensed rehabilitators.

Phone: 508‑389‑6300

Cape Wildlife Center: 508‑362‑0111

Wild Care Cape Cod: 508‑240‑2255

IFAW marine mammals: 508‑743‑9548

MassWildlife: 508‑389‑6300

Other wildlife regions in Massachusetts

Need help outside Cape Cod? Choose another Massachusetts region to find local wildlife rehabilitators and contacts.

Greater Boston North Shore South Shore Central MA Western MA Cape Cod Martha’s Vineyard Nantucket

If you are close to a regional boundary, check two nearby regions. Some rehabilitators cover more than one area.

When to call – and what to do before you dial

A short checklist to protect both people and wildlife in Massachusetts.

Check your safety first. Do not approach wild animals closely. Keep children and pets away, and avoid handling the animal.
Observe quietly from a distance. Note the animal’s size, species (if you can), visible injuries and how long you have seen the situation.
Record the exact location. Street address, nearby building, landmark or GPS pin will help responders find the animal faster.
Call a wildlife number. Use the statewide numbers above or your regional contacts. Describe what you see and follow the instructions you receive.
Do not feed or give water. Well–meant food or water can harm some species or make capture more difficult.
For immediate danger to people or traffic, contact local emergency services as well as wildlife contacts.

Many young animals in spring and early summer are not truly orphaned. Parents may be away for long periods. When in doubt, call a wildlife information line before picking up or moving the animal.

FAQ: Wildlife rescue in Massachusetts

Short answers to common questions from residents and visitors.

What if I find a baby bird or small mammal alone?

Many fledgling birds and young mammals spend time on the ground while parents watch from nearby. Unless there is an obvious injury or danger (road, pets, people), observation is often best. If you are unsure, call a wildlife information line and describe the situation.

Who handles rabies concerns in Massachusetts?

If you suspect rabies exposure (bite, saliva contact with a wound or mucous membrane), contact your local health department and MassWildlife immediately. They will advise on testing, quarantine and human medical follow‑up.

Can I bring an injured wild animal to a vet?

Some veterinary clinics work with licensed wildlife rehabilitators, others do not accept wildlife. Always call first. A wildlife hotline can suggest which facility, if any, can receive the animal.

Are there wildlife rehabilitators in every part of Massachusetts?

Availability varies by region and species. In some areas, rehabilitators may be at capacity or limited to specific types of animals. Regional pages on this site are designed to point you toward the most relevant contacts first.