It’s not always easy to tell when wild animals need our help, and when it’s best to leave them alone. Because wildlife sees Humans as predators, they’ll usually hide any injuries or illness when they’re near us. Monitoring them from a distance can help us see how bad their condition is, and whether it’s best to take them for treatment or leave them to recover in the wild. Often, by the time they allow us to get close enough to rescue them, they’re much more unwell than they appear.
Wild animals need expert care to give them the best chance of survival, and we can all play an important part in helping to get them the best care as soon as possible.
Where it’s safe to do so, transporting the animal yourself will get them the help they desperately need in the quickest possible time.
Birds
If you find an injured bird, here are the four steps you need to take;
- Asses the injury and watch from afar
- Gently capture it in a cloth and put it in a cardboard box with holes in
- take the bird to an ornithological vet or get a wildlife rehabilitator
- keep the bird in a quiet, dark and warm place away from pets and children.
Wild land animals
If you find an injured wild land animal, here are the steps you need to take
- Note the locational and contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in your area
- Reach out to a local wildlife centre or wildlife rehabilitator
- For larger wild animals call wildlife responders or organisations.
- If small enough capture the animal safely and transport to the nearest appropriate vet
- If it is an injured wild pet, and their owner doesn’t seem to be around, call the RSPCA or take them to the nearest vet
Sea Animal
If you find an injured sea animal, here are the steps you need to take
- If they are alive, keep a safe distance and ring the British Marine Drivers Rescue on 01825 7655467
- If they are dead, call the Strandlings hotline on 0800 6520333
