Residents who find baby squirrels, birds or rabbits knocked from nests by the storms that began Aug. 10, should call the Ohio Wildlife Center rather than try to put the animals back, the Powell-based nonprofit said Aug. 12.

The center has temporarily changed its standard protocol, which normally encourages renesting healthy young wildlife with their parents. Through Wednesday, Aug. 12, staff are instead asking finders to call 614-793-9453 or message the center on Facebook so the animal can be admitted for care at the clinic at 6245 Cook Road in Powell.

"Normally, our first choice is to reunite healthy young wildlife with their parents whenever possible," development and communications manager David Donahue told NBC4. "But with the severe and rapidly changing weather expected over the next 24 hours, returning a baby animal to an exposed nest could put it right back into a dangerous situation."

Three large storm systems tore through central Ohio beginning Aug. 10, snapping utility poles and trees, flooding roads and knocking out power across the region. Liberty Township was among the hardest-hit areas. As of Wednesday morning, more than 83,000 AEP customers remained without power from at least 1,700 reported outages, with full restoration potentially stretching to Friday.

What to do, species by species

Baby squirrels: High winds can knock young squirrels from damaged trees. Keep the animal warm, contained and away from pets. Do not climb a damaged tree to return it.

Baby birds: Nestlings may be blown out when branches snap. Do not attempt to renest during severe weather. Contact the center so the bird can be assessed.

Flooded rabbit nests: Heavy rain can swamp the shallow ground nests rabbits use. Do not return young rabbits to a flooded nest. Call for instructions.

The center stressed that separated babies are not necessarily abandoned. Severe wind, rain and falling debris can temporarily prevent parents from reaching their young.

Don't risk your own safety

Ohio Wildlife Center asked residents not to climb trees, wade into flooded areas or approach damaged structures to reach a nest. If wildlife appears to be in immediate danger, call the center first.

The clinic, Ohio's largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, moved to its 20-acre Powell campus on Cook Road in December 2025. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., operates 365 days a year and relies entirely on private donations.

Contact: 614-793-9453 or facebook.com/OhioWildlifeCenter