Infant Wildlife Care Teams
Hands-on feeding and care for orphaned wildlife in your home
Infant Wildlife Care Teams -
Care for small groups of orphaned baby squirrels, raccoons, or opossums in your home with the goal of preparing them for release back into the wild. These animals are too young to live outside and require attentive care throughout the day, and sometimes at night.
Each species has specific handling and care requirements. In general, Infant Wildlife Care volunteers must follow all training and care protocols, feed babies every three hours during daytime hours when they are very young and adjust to fewer feedings as they grow. During their first six weeks, infants may travel with you in a secure nest box for scheduled feedings.
Volunteers should be available to care for infants for three weeks to three months, depending on species. A safe, quiet room is required to house their indoor enclosure, free from pets and high traffic areas. Direct contact between household pets and wildlife is not permitted.
The role requires emotional resilience, as not all animals survive, along with reliable transportation for transfers or medical visits. Volunteers must be able to safely handle and secure animals as needed. Some supplies are provided, though limited out-of-pocket expenses should be expected.
