Desert Wildlife Center Educates Public on What to Do If You Find Injured Wildlife

Do you know what to do if you come across an injured wild animal? That’s the question experts from the Desert Wildlife Center addressed during a free lecture held at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory on Thursday.

The event, led by Dan Rossi, Executive Director of the Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies, offered the public a rare chance to hear directly from the team behind both the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the Desert Wildlife Center.

“These events are so important to us to be able to share information about wildlife and what to do with them in certain situations,” Rossi said.

One key takeaway: in most cases, if you find an injured or seemingly abandoned wild animal—especially baby animals—you should leave them alone.

“We estimate about 80 to 90 percent of wildlife that people find don’t actually need intervention,” said Rossi. “Many are young animals whose mothers are nearby. Removing them could do more harm than good.”

If you’re unsure, Rossi encourages residents to visit the center’s website at desertwildlifecenter.org or the Palm Springs Animal Shelter site for guidance on what steps to take.

Looking ahead, Rossi shared exciting news: the rehab section of the Desert Wildlife Center is expected to open by the end of May, enabling them to directly take in, treat, and release wild animals in need.

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