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General Information
General tips on wildlife rescue
Prognosis: Wild animals have the most remarkable powers of recovery so none should be 'put out of its misery' until a veterinary surgeon, experienced with wildlife, has had the opportunity to assess its injuries and make a diagnosis - usually at a wildlife hospital or rescue centre. In fact, ALL wildlife casualties should be taken to or if it is a large animal (i.e. deer, badger, fox or swan) collected by a wildlife rescue group. There is an established network of over 200 rescue centres nation-wide which can be reached by phoning Tiggywinkles on: 01844 292 292
Safety: Some wild animals can be very dangerous, do not put yourself in danger, call Tiggywinkles for assistance 01844 292 292.
Always wear thick gloves to handle most birds and animals, teeth, claws and talons really do hurt!
Before embarking on any would-be rescue of a road casualty every precaution should be taken to ensure the safety of yourself and other road users and to obey the laws of the road. In particular, children should not be allowed onto the highway and should be instructed to refer any injured animal to a parent. The most important point is SEE AND BE SEEN by other road users and remember they too may see the animal and swerve to avoid it.
Never put yourself or others in danger
 Animal law: Most wild animal collisions are accidental and unavoidable and are seen as such by animal protection legislation. Any wild animal that is injured can be legally picked up and taken into care with the intention of releasing it once it has recovered.
Approach: Every wild animal has an inbuilt 'flee' instinct triggered at various distances to your approach. An injured animal that is still mobile will attempt to flee and may further endanger itself.
Take the following precautions:
- If near a road, try to approach from the direction of the carriageway so if the animal flees it will head for the safety of the roadside not onto the carriageway.
- Bend your knees and make your frame appear as small as possible.
- Approach very slowly, stopping occasionally to assess the animal's reaction. You will be able to judge when it steels itself to flee.
- Talk to it quietly - this will not relax it but prevents your approach being a surprise that might spark the 'flee' response.
- If a rescue centre is called, please wait with the animal or at the site until the rescue team arrives. This applies even if the animal dies.
- If the animal does flee from the area, note where it has gone so that any rescue teams can try to follow it.
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