How to Find Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators in Connecticut (DEEP List)

Found an injured bird, orphaned baby squirrel, or distressed animal in Connecticut? The first step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator—it’s illegal to care for most wild animals without a permit. The Connecticut DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) maintains an official list of permitted rehabilitators by species, but the page can be hard to locate. Below are direct links to the DEEP resources, plus helpful tips on what to do while waiting for guidance.

If the animal is not injured or orphaned but is causing a nuisance (denning under decks, raiding trash, or posing risks), RF Wildlife can help with safe, DEEP-compliant removal and exclusion. Serving a 30-mile radius from Old Saybrook (including Middletown, Cromwell, Portland, Clinton, Madison, Guilford, and more), we specialize in raccoons, skunks, bats, squirrels, moles, and other common pests. Call 860-510-6313 for nuisance wildlife assistance—no call centers, just the pro.

Official DEEP Resources

• Main DEEP Wildlife Rehabilitator Page: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/rehabilitator — Forms, how to become one, and general info.
• Dealing with Distressed Wildlife: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Rehabilitator/Dealing-with-Distressed-Wildlife — Steps and contacts.
• Call DEEP Wildlife Division: 860-424-3011 (business hours) or Emergency Dispatch: 860-424-3333 (after hours/weekends).
• Email: [email protected] for referrals.

Quick Tips Before Contacting a Rehabilitator

• Do not feed or give water unless advised (can harm animals).
• Keep the animal warm, quiet, and dark (cardboard box with towel).
• Do not attempt to raise orphans yourself — many “orphaned” babies have a mother nearby.
• If it’s a rabies vector (raccoon, skunk, bat, fox), do not handle — call DEEP or local animal control.

When to Call RF Wildlife Instead

If the animal is a nuisance (e.g., denning under your deck, raiding trash, or posing a risk), not injured/orphaned, we can help with legal removal and exclusion. We specialize in:

• Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats, moles, and more.
• Serving a 30-mile radius from Old Saybrook (including Middletown, Cromwell, Portland, Clinton, Madison, Guilford, and more)

Call 860-510-6313 for nuisance wildlife issues — we handle DEEP-compliant trapping, exclusion, and prevention.

 Additional Resources

• Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (CWRA): https://cwrawildlife.org/rehabilitators — Species-specific lists.
• United Way 211 CT Wildlife Rehabilitators: https://uwc.211ct.org/wildlife-rehabilitators — Searchable directory.

Found a distressed animal? Use the DEEP list above to find a licensed rehabilitator. For nuisance wildlife problems (not rescue), contact RF Wildlife at 860-510-6313 — veteran-owned, local, and ready to help.

For more wildlife and pest control solutions across Connecticut, explore our full network of specialized sites — all veteran-owned and focused on safe, DEEP-compliant service:

• AnimalControlCT.com — Your go-to hub for general animal control, wildlife removal, and local help in towns like Old Saybrook, Middletown, Cromwell, and beyond.
• WildlifeControlCT.com — In-depth tips, blogs, and guides on bats, squirrels, skunks, and more wildlife issues.
• RaccoonRemovalConnecticut.com — Dedicated raccoon trapping, exclusion, and prevention services statewide.
• MoleExterminators.com — Professional mole trapping and lawn protection for Connecticut properties.

Need immediate help? Call or text RF Wildlife directly at 860-510-6313 — no call centers, just the pro. Serving a 30-mile radius from Old Saybrook and ready 24/7.