While Oxbow Eco-Center is home to several animal ambassadors, we are not a rehabilitation facility and can't accept found or injured animals. We don’t have a safe place to keep them or the necessary equipment to get them back to health.

Unless an animal is physically injured or in immediate danger, you should leave it alone. Many animals will bite when handled or cornered. Chasing an animal in attempt to move or handle it will likely result in a stressed animal and injury to yourself or another.

Often times the best thing you can do for a wild animal is nothing. Removing an animal from their natural environment can cause stress and disorientation, decreasing the animal's chance of survival.

However, if you do see an animal that is visibly injured or struggling there are a number of agencies that can help.

• Animal Safety, Services & Protection (unincorporated St. Lucie County)    (772) 462-8120  
• Port St. Lucie Animal Control (within the City of Port St. Lucie)    (772) 871-5042
• Creature Safe Place    (772) 579-0618 
• Treasure Coast Wildlife Center   (772) 286-6200
• Busch Wildlife   (561) 575-3399
• Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission    (561) 625-5122

Please don't ever release non-native animals or pets into natural areas. Most species won't survive are detrimental to sensitive native landscapes. Please call one of the above agencies or utilize the  FWC Exotic Pet Amnesty Program.