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Intaking Bird Information

When you find an injured bird and feel it needs to come to the CFRC there are two options:
  1. You can bring the bird directly to CFRC- anytime.  Call 910-687-6888during Center hours (Monday thru Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm). After hours  please opt for the after hour emergency line on our phone message and it transfer directly to our Director of Rehabilitation.

  2. We can try to arrange transport for someone to pick up the bird from you, or to meet you somewhere (if you are not local to the center).  Please note that in a pick up situation you may have to hold the bird for up to 24 hours for us to arrange transport. We can not guarantee transport arrangements, but we will work hard at getting the bird to us, or another local rehabilitator for stabilization.

PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING A WILD BIRD! THESE ARE STILL WILD ANIMALS AND CAN INJURE YOU! STRESSED OUT BIRDS CAN DIE VERY EASILY SO DON'T DRAW A CROWD.  BIRDS NEED TO BE KEPT IN A DARK, QUIET, CLIMATE CONTROLLED AREA UNTIL WE CAN BE REACHED.
How to Handle an Injured Raptor
Warning:  Handling an injured raptor can be very dangerous. Only follow this procedure if you are unable to contact CFRC or your local District Wildlife Manager with  NC Wildlife.
  • Prior to capture: Prepare a box with ventilation holes in the top and place a towel, paper towels or newspaper on the bottom. The box should be large enough for the bird to stand but small enough to keep it from flapping or flying around.
  • Collect the following materials: towel, blanket, sheet or other lightweight material large enough to cover the bird, gloves (such as leather welders gloves).


FOLLOW THE FIRST RULE OF RAPTOR HANDLING—KEEP YOURSELF SAFE! The raptor you are attempting to rescue will not understand that you are trying to help it. When you approach, it will try to protect itself and may attack you.
  • APPROACH WITH EXTREME CAUTION!  Most injured raptors will use their primary weapon, their strong feet and talons, to protect themselves but they may also bite.
  • Approach the bird from the rear if possible. Carefully place the sheet or blanket over the entire bird. The raptor may try to grab the blanket, sheet, or YOU with its feet. AVOID THE FEET by getting a firm grip from behind holding the wings to the bird’s body.  Keep the bird’s talons away from you and others.
  • Pick the bird up.  Hold the covered bird away from your body, and place it in the prepared box.
  • Gently remove the covering before closing the box.  If the bird is firmly attached to the blanket or sheet, try to expose the bird’s head.
  • Place the box in a quiet room away from extreme temperatures and contact the CFRC or another licensed rehabilitator.

DO NOT HANDLE OR LOOK AT THE BIRD ANY MORE THAN NECESSARY.  IT IS HIGHLY STRESSFUL AND CAN DO THE BIRD FURTHER HARM.
  • Do not attempt to feed or force the bird to drink. Each species has specific dietary requirements.  You may provide a small container of water to enable the bird to drink on its own.
Transporting an Injured Raptor to CFRC
All wild birds are protected by law.  State and federal laws prohibit you from having any protected wildlife in your possession, even temporarily, unless you are transporting an injured raptor to receive medical attention.

Call the raptor emergency line at 910-687-6888 to notify our rehabilitation staff.

While transporting an injured raptor:
  • Speak quietly
  • Do not play your car radio
  • Do not transport a raptor in a person’s lap, unboxed or unrestrained. The bird could get loose and cause an accident or injury.