Found Injured Wildlife?
Contact a licensed rehabilitator before intervening. Wild animals can carry disease and pose injury risk.
Per Minnesota DNR: An unlicensed citizen may NOT attempt to rehabilitate wildlife. It is unlawful to possess or transport injured wildlife for more than 24 hours without a permit.
In South Dakota: wildlife may only be rehabilitated under a Game, Fish & Parks permit, and the state keeps no public list of rehabilitators — call your nearest GFP Wildlife Division office or conservation officer first and they will direct you.
Wildlife care is fundamentally different from companion animal care. The resources below connect you with licensed rehabilitators across Minnesota and South Dakota who can advise on the right next step.
Minnesota Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
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Pine City, MNWildlife rehabilitation in east-central MN.
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St. PaulSpecialized care for eagles, owls, hawks, and other raptors.
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Garrison, MNWildlife rehabilitation in central MN.
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RosevilleThe largest wildlife rehab in the state. Accepts most species.
South Dakota Wildlife Rehabilitation & Resources
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Rapid City area (Caputa), SDInjured and orphaned birds of prey — eagles, hawks, owls. Call before bringing a bird.
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South DakotaNo public rehabilitator list in SD: contact your nearest GFP Wildlife Division office or conservation officer and they will connect you with a permitted rehabilitator.
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Sioux FallsTheir humane officers can advise on whether to intervene and help get an injured animal to treatment.
Official Resources
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NationalHSUS guide to humanely resolving conflicts with wildlife.
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Minnesota (PDF)Complete list of licensed individual rehabilitators by species.
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MinnesotaState guidelines on what to do if you find wildlife.
What To Do If You Find Wildlife
- Don't intervene immediately. Many young animals look "abandoned" but a parent is nearby.
- Watch from a distance for several hours if possible.
- Call a licensed rehabilitator before touching the animal.
- Don't feed or give water unless directed by a rehabilitator.
- Keep pets and children away while you wait for guidance.
Why Rescue Network Doesn't Take Wildlife
We focus on companion animals — dogs and cats. Wildlife care requires different facilities, permits, and expertise. Calling a licensed rehabilitator is faster and safer for the animal than driving to us.