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 › Nantucket wildlife rescue numbers

Emergency wildlife help · Nantucket

Wildlife Rescue Numbers on Nantucket

If you have found an injured or orphaned wild animal on Nantucket – on town beaches, at Great Point, in moors, ponds or residential areas – 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 Nantucket

Nantucket Island is shaped by beaches, dunes, coastal shrublands, moors, freshwater ponds and small woodlands. These habitats support shorebirds, seabirds, ospreys, herons, songbirds, bats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, river otters and offshore marine mammals such as seals and dolphins that periodically rest or strand on local beaches.

In spring and early summer many calls involve young birds or mammals visible in yards, dunes or fields while adults forage nearby. Most apparently “alone” juveniles are not abandoned and should not be handled. Intervention is recommended only when there are clear signs of trauma, prolonged immobility, or immediate danger from traffic, pets, or intense human activity along the shoreline.

Nantucket’s beaches, dunes, moors and ponds create island habitats used year-round by coastal, marine and migratory wildlife.

Key wildlife rescue numbers for Nantucket

Tap a number to call. Start with Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket for stranded seals or dolphins, and use MassWildlife, local shelters and statewide hotlines for other wildlife situations.

Statewide hotline

MassWildlife – Wildlife assistance

Statewide line for guidance on injured or sick wildlife and conflicts with wildlife anywhere in Massachusetts, including Nantucket.

Phone: 508-389-6300

Marine mammals – Nantucket

Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket (MMAN)

Authorized marine mammal stranding response organization for Nantucket, Tuckernuck and Muskeget Islands. Call for seals, dolphins or whales ashore, entangled or in distress.

Hotline: 833-667-6626

Entanglement hotline

NOAA Marine Animal Entanglement Hotline

For entangled whales or other marine animals in the water near Nantucket. Call in addition to MMAN if gear or lines are attached to the animal.

Hotline: 1-800-900-3622

Local animal shelter

Nantucket Safe Harbor for Animals (NiSHA)

Island animal shelter that assists with domestic animals in need and can advise or refer callers when wildlife is involved.

Phone: 508-825-2287 ext. 1

Veterinary clinic

Offshore Animal Hospital of Nantucket

Full-service veterinary hospital that can provide triage for some injured wild animals and guidance on next steps or referrals.

Phone: 508-228-1491
Address: 11 Crooked Lane, Nantucket, MA 02554.

Local rescue group

Nantucket Animal Rescue

Local nonprofit organization focused on helping animals on Nantucket and supporting wildlife rescue and conservation efforts.

Phone: 508-322-1270

Information line

MSPCA Wildlife Information Line

Helps you decide whether an animal on Nantucket needs intervention or is behaving normally, and provides general wildlife guidance.

Phone: 617-383-1210

Statewide emergency

Massachusetts Environmental Police

State law enforcement agency responding to serious public safety issues involving wild animals or other wildlife emergencies anywhere in Massachusetts.

24-hour line: 1-800-632-8075

MMAN hotline: 833-667-6626

NiSHA shelter: 508-825-2287

Offshore Animal Hospital: 508-228-1491

Other wildlife regions in Massachusetts

Need help outside Nantucket? 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.