Wisconsin WildCare

08/17/2026

The DNR thanks wildlife rehabilitators across the state for their dedication and contribution to Wisconsin’s wildlife.

Our state’s wildlife species have incredible skills to adapt and survive, but some wild animals face difficult circumstances, due to human-wildlife conflicts, natural disasters, illnesses, injuries or more.

While it may be tempting to try to rehabilitate wildlife yourself, it should be left to the professionals. Every year, licensed wildlife rehabilitators provide temporary care to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. In Wisconsin, rehabilitators are required to be properly licensed and have extensive knowledge of the appropriate husbandry practices of the species in their care. In addition, they are on the forefront of wildlife disease detection and protect human and wildlife health with strict biosecurity protocols.

Spring and summer are typically the busiest time of year in the rehabilitation world as young wildlife are prominent across the landscape. Some rehabilitation facilities may field over 50 calls in a single day and admit over 5,000 animals each year. The work doesn’t stop with a phone call though, as each animal admitted must be assessed and cared for based on its specific needs. With morning and evening medications to administer, feedings every 30 minutes, the constant need for cage cleaning and more, rehabilitators rarely have a spare minute throughout the day.

This work is diligently carried out by licensed wildlife rehabilitators without any state or federal funding for the services they provide. It is important to remember that wildlife rehabilitation facilities may hit capacity and limit admissions of certain species during the busy season.

There are many ways to contribute to the wildlife rehabilitation community, including volunteering as a transport driver, donating supplies or helping build new enclosures. If you would like to lend a hand, please reach out to your local wildlife rehabilitator to discuss their current needs.

For more information on wildlife rehabilitation in Wisconsin or to find a rehabilitator near you, visit our website at: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/directory

07/21/2026

Easily help wildlife who can be disorientated from the wildfire smoke and poor air quality.

06/10/2026

🥵 Hot days can be hard on Wisconsin's wild neighbors — here are a few easy ways to help them through the heat.

🚫Keep cats indoors (always, but especially now). They're efficient predators of heat-stressed wildlife who can't flee fast. A fledgling songbird or infant mammal already struggling in the sun has zero chance against a cat.

🐦‍⬛Keep birdbaths clean and refreshed daily in heat; algae and bacteria multiply fast. Add a few rocks or a drip feature so birds can wade rather than dunk.

🐿️Leave a couple shallow dishes of fresh water in a shaded spot — one at ground-level and one elevated slightly.

🐢If you find a turtle crossing a road, and you can do so safely, move them in the direction they were already heading. Hot pavement causes burns fast, so handle gently and release in shade.

💈Walk your yard before mowing or weed-whacking; rabbits and ground-nesting birds hide in tall grass.

🆘If you see a wild animal who appears sick, injured, or disoriented in the heat, visit wiwildcare.org/animal-help to find out how to help.

We rehab mammals in South Central Wisconsin and love all wildlife. Questions? We're happy to help. 💚

06/07/2026

We need your help - Be part of a baby squirrel’s journey back to the wild!
Several litters of young squirrels currently in foster care with Wisconsin WildCare are ready to take their next big step—returning to their natural habitat. We’re looking for a few kind people willing to host a release site.
Ideal release sites have:
• A yard with interconnected trees so the squirrels can travel safely without touching the ground
• A quiet, low traffic area, away from outdoor pets and common predators
• Someone willing to put out food and water for a few weeks (we’ll provide some of the supplies!)
How it works: We’ll bring a small litter of rehabilitated young squirrels in a cozy nest box and install it in a tree of your choice—about 10–12 feet high. We handle the entire setup. By offering a safe place for their transition back to the wild, you’ll also enjoy a few weeks of delightful squirrel watching.
If you’re interested, please message us here on Facebook, call our hotline and leave a message (608-237-7060) or email [email protected].

06/01/2026

This will be a fun family-friendly event. Wisconsin Wildcare will have representatives at the Open House to answer questions about wildlife rehabilitation and the work we do throughout the year. We’re very grateful to the wonderful medical team at Waunakee Veterinary Clinic—their support makes our wildlife care possible.

🐾 Join us this Friday for our Open House! Discover how Waunakee Vet Clinic cares for your furry friends and meet our dedicated team. Bring your pets, ask questions, and enjoy special insights into pet wellness. Don't miss out—see you there! 🐶🐱

05/22/2026

It's a great day for a plant sale! 🌿

Plenty of seedlings remain, but some are going faster than others. An updated count is included at the link below. 🍉🥒🍅🥬🥦

If you haven't stopped by yet, a few time slots may still be available:

View schedule & signup View the current plant list Visit Wisconsin WildCare Questions? Email me @ [email protected]

05/16/2026

Animals like this baby bunny don’t need much but they do need consistency!

Access to food, shelter, and a stable environment can make all the difference in whether they survive. Gardens — especially diverse ones — help provide that.

The plant sale supporting Wisconsin WildCare is one small way to support both your garden and the wildlife around you.

https://kellysseedlings.org

05/13/2026

May is Gardening for Wildlife Month 🌱

Did you know your yard or garden can become a safe haven for Wisconsin wildlife? Native plants provide food, shelter, and nesting spaces for pollinators and our wild neighbors. And native gardening supports biodiversity and helps create healthier ecosystems for wildlife.

Looking for another way to support wildlife through gardening? Support our Vegetable Seedling Sale and pick up plants while supporting Wisconsin WildCare’s mission to help injured and orphaned wildlife. All proceeds support animals in our care!

🗓️ May 20 - 24, 2026
🕓 20-minute time slots available
📍 Lodi, WI

Learn more about our Vegetable Seedling Sale and reserve your spot:
https://www.facebook.com/events/933167209548083

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating all moms and caregivers, including the wild ones. 💚

When people find a baby animal alone, the instinct is often to help right away. But in most cases, a baby’s best chance of survival is with their mother. And this squirrel mom shows just how vigilant wild mothers are in caring for their young! 🐿️

Earlier this spring, she arrived at Wisconsin WildCare injured and pregnant. After recovering in a safe environment, she gave birth and nursed her babies into healthy, active little ones eager to start moving around. At her first opportunity, she carefully relocated all four of her babies from a temporary nest box to a new, bigger nest box to finish raising them.

Wildlife mothers know what they’re doing, and whenever possible, keeping families together is always the goal. 💕

Before intervening with a baby animal, learn the signs that help is truly needed: https://www.wiwildcare.org/animal-help
Looking for ways to peacefully coexist with wild families around your home or yard? https://www.wiwildcare.org/coexist-wildlife

05/09/2026

🌱 Meet the Seedlings! 🌱

These little sprouts are putting in the work and 100% of every purchase helps support the care of injured and orphaned Wisconsin wildlife through Wisconsin WildCare.

See the full event details and sign up here: kellysseedlings.org

Bonus: you can feel extra good about your garden this year knowing your plants are helping local wildlife, too. 💚