Wildlife Rescue Numbers on the North Shore
What people on the North Shore run into most often
The North Shore mixes beaches, marshes, woods, harbors and dense neighborhoods, so wildlife regularly turns up near homes, schools, parking lots and walking paths. Common calls involve gulls, shorebirds, ducks, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes and young birds on the ground.
In spring and early summer, many young animals are not abandoned. A baby rabbit hidden in grass or a feathered young bird on the ground is often exactly where it should be. The first question is not only who can take the animal, but whether the animal actually needs rescue right now.
Key wildlife rescue numbers for the North Shore
Fastest path in most situations: call the closest bird or wildlife contact first, then use the statewide hotline if you need referral help, transport guidance or a second opinion.
Best first call by situation
- Grounded gull, seabird or shorebird: Cape Ann Wildlife first.
- Unsure what species it is or who covers your town: MassWildlife first.
- Animal trapped in a dense neighborhood or near heavy traffic: Animal Rescue League can be useful.
- Case may need hospital-level care or local places are full: ask about Tufts or New England Wildlife Center.
Before you call, get these details
- Exact town and location
- What kind of animal it appears to be
- Visible injury or unusual behavior
- Immediate danger from cars, dogs, tides or people
- Whether you can stay nearby safely until you get instructions
MassWildlife – Wildlife assistance
Best first call when you are not sure who covers the animal, the species or your exact town. They can help with injuries, abnormal behavior, possible rabies concerns and referral questions anywhere in Massachusetts.
- Phone: 508‑389‑6300
- Best for: statewide questions and referrals.
- Service area: all of Massachusetts.
Animal Rescue League of Boston – Field Services
Useful when an animal is injured, trapped, tangled or stuck in a high-traffic residential area. They may be able to coordinate with animal control or direct you to the right rehabilitator.
- Phone: 617‑426‑9170 ext. 563
- Field Services hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 am–5:30 pm.
- Focus: injured, trapped or distressed wildlife.
MSPCA – Wildlife information
Good for uncertain situations. If you are asking yourself whether this animal is actually orphaned, hurt or simply resting, this is the kind of line that can save you from making a well-meant mistake.
- Phone: 617‑383‑1210
- Best for: “Is this normal?” questions.
- Can direct you to local rehabilitators.
New England Wildlife Center – Weymouth
Wildlife hospital for cases that may need medical care, stabilization or follow-up transport. Do not just show up with an animal. Call first and let them tell you whether they can receive it or where to go instead.
- Wildlife hotline: 781‑682‑4878
- Wildlife admissions: Monday–Friday, 10:00 am–2:00 pm. Call ahead.
- Location: South Weymouth, MA.
Cape Ann Wildlife, Inc. – Gloucester
One of the most relevant contacts for North Shore bird cases, especially around Gloucester, Cape Ann and nearby coastal towns. A strong option for grounded seabirds, injured gulls, shorebirds and other wild birds. Always call first.
- Wildlife contact: 978‑325‑2501
- Best for: injured or grounded wild birds in the Cape Ann and North Shore area.
- Service area: Gloucester, Cape Ann and nearby North Shore communities.
Tufts Wildlife Clinic – North Grafton
A higher-level referral option when local choices are limited, full or not equipped for the species you found. Call before transport. They may advise on whether the animal should stay local or be moved for advanced care.
- Phone: 508‑839‑7918
- Best for: guidance or referral when local options are limited.
- Location: North Grafton, MA.
Massachusetts Environmental Police
Use this line for serious public safety situations, large wild animals creating an immediate risk, or wildlife-related law enforcement issues. It is not the best first call for a routine baby-animal question.
- 24‑hour line: 1‑800‑632‑8075
- Use for: bobcats, coyotes, foxes and other carnivores posing an immediate risk to people.
- Service area: statewide.
Other wildlife regions in Massachusetts
Near a regional boundary, beach, estuary or island transfer point? Check two nearby regions. The quickest answer is sometimes from the next service area over.
When to call – and what to do before you dial
Most bad outcomes start the same way: someone moves too quickly, gets too close, or tries to feed an animal that only needed quiet observation. Use this order instead.
- Check your safety first. Do not approach closely. Keep children and pets away, and do not try to grab the animal unless a licensed rehabilitator tells you to.
- Observe quietly for one to three minutes. Note the animal’s size, likely species, whether it can stand or fly, and whether you see bleeding, a drooping wing, a twisted limb or trouble breathing.
- Record the exact location. A street address, nearby building, beach access point, trail marker or GPS pin saves time and helps responders decide whether transport is realistic.
- Call with a clear description. Say what the animal is, what is wrong, how long it has been there, and what immediate risks are nearby such as cars, dogs, tides, fencing or fishing line.
- Do not feed, pour water into its mouth or force a box on it. Good intentions often make wildlife weaker, wetter, colder or harder to assess.
- If people or traffic are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services as well as wildlife contacts.
Many young animals in spring and early summer are not truly orphaned. A feathered young bird hopping on the ground, a hidden rabbit nest in grass or a quiet fawn alone for a while can all be normal. When in doubt, call before you touch.
On the North Shore, the setting matters. A bird sitting quietly at the edge of a marsh or beach may simply be resting, but the same bird in a roadway, dog area, parking lot or active harbor space may need help much sooner. Mention the setting when you call, because location changes the level of urgency.
What helps the person on the phone most
- One clear sentence on what is wrong
- Whether the animal can stand, walk or fly
- Whether a cat, dog, car or window strike was involved
- If the animal is safe where it is for the next 15 to 30 minutes
- A photo, only if you can take it without getting closer
Do not do this while waiting
- Do not give milk, bread, crackers or pet food
- Do not pour water into the mouth
- Do not let children gather around
- Do not keep checking every minute from close range
- Do not move the animal indoors unless you are told to
Usually call now
- Bleeding, broken limb, drooping wing or head trauma
- Hit by a car, slammed into a window or caught in netting, line or fencing
- Attacked by a cat or dog
- Lying on its side, unable to stand, unable to fly, or not reacting normally
- On a road, in a parking lot, or trapped in a building or yard hazard
Usually observe first
- Feathered young bird on the ground that is alert and hopping
- Rabbit nest in grass with babies tucked together and quiet
- Fawn resting alone for part of the day
- Healthy wild animal passing through a yard at dawn or dusk
- Adult bird calling nearby while a young bird stays low
FAQ: Wildlife rescue in Massachusetts
What if I find a baby bird or small mammal alone?
Many young animals are left alone for periods while parents forage. A feathered young bird that hops, flutters and calls is often a normal fledgling, not an orphan. A hidden rabbit nest can also look abandoned when it is not. If there is no obvious injury and no immediate danger from cars, dogs or people, observation is often the right first step. If you are unsure, call and describe exactly what you see before moving the animal.
Who handles rabies concerns in Massachusetts?
If there was a bite, saliva contact with a wound, or possible exposure involving a bat, raccoon, skunk, fox or another mammal of concern, contact your local health department and MassWildlife right away. They can guide the next steps for testing, quarantine and medical follow-up. Do not handle the animal again unless you are specifically instructed to do so.
Can I bring an injured wild animal to a vet?
Sometimes yes, but not every veterinary clinic accepts wildlife and not every species can be handled the same way. Always call first. A wildlife hotline or rehabilitator can tell you whether a local clinic, wildlife hospital or licensed rehabber is the better destination.
Are there wildlife rehabilitators in every part of Massachusetts?
No. Coverage varies by region, species and season. Some rehabilitators only take birds. Others may be full during spring baby-animal surges. That is why regional pages matter and why calling first matters. The best contact for your case may be outside your town or even outside your region.
What if a rehabilitator tells me to contain the animal?
Use a ventilated cardboard box lined with a towel or plain cloth, keep it dark and quiet, and place it somewhere warm and calm away from pets and children. Do not offer food or water unless a wildlife professional tells you exactly what to do. Containment is only for cases where you were specifically instructed to do it.