Helping injured animals

What should people do when they find injured or orphaned wildlife?
Many people want to keep the animal and take care of it themselves. What could be easier than raising a bunny or tending to an injured squirrel, the same as you would a pet?
It’s not that simple.
In North Carolina, it’s illegal to possess native wildlife without a state license. For birds, which are protected by the Migratory Bird Act, a federal license is required.
Wild animals are not pets. They have different needs. Foods that nourish a kitten or puppy could do long-term damage to a bunny or squirrel. Animals that will be released to the wild should have minimal contact with humans; otherwise their chances of survival in the wild are slim.
The North Carolina Department of Wildlife Resources lists licensed rehabilitators on its Web site at: http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_06_coexist.htm.
Or if you’d like to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, several groups can offer advice and support, including Wildlife Rehabilitators of North Carolina (http://www.ncwildliferehab.org/), The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (http://www.iwrc-online.org/) and The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp)