#GiveBackGetInvolved: Resources for Injured Wildlife in Chicago

Finding a dead or injured animal is a stressful experience and it can be difficult to know who to contact for help. In Chicago's parks, the most common injuries to wildlife are generally to birds that have collided with buildings or gotten snagged in fishing lines and other debris, but you may also encounter injured turtles or mammals. Below are some resources to help guide you to the right kind of assistance:

Animal Care and Control: You can reach Animal Care and Control by calling 311 to report bite incidents, dead animals, injured animals, and stray pets. Please call 911 for animal fights. Animal Care and Control also works with other animal welfare and conservation organizations to find homes for exotic animals and pets found around the city.

Chicago Bird Collision Monitors: The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors collect primarily dead and injured migratory birds but can advise on local and domestic birds, and what to do if you find a baby bird. Please call, do not email or text. (773) 988-1867.

Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation: One of two wildlife rehabilitation centers where many injured animals from the city are transported. They operate a satellite facility on Northerly Island and may pick up injured wildlife. Call for more information regarding what to do with an injured or orphaned animal. (847) 842-8000.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center: The other wildlife rehabilitation center where many injured animals from the city are transported. They work with the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors to coordinate pickups. Please contact Chicago Bird Collision Monitors or Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation before contacting Willowbrook Wildlife Center directly. (630) 942-6200.

This article was first published as "Injured Wildlife in Lincoln Park" on the Lincoln Park Conservancy blog in July 2023.