Wild Animal Rescue: What to Do and What Not to Do

Finding an injured or orphaned wild animal is stressful. Knowing the right steps to take — and the wrong ones to avoid — can mean the difference between life and death for the animal.

Key Facts

Young animals that appear to be orphaned are often not — parents typically return
Handling a wild animal causes acute stress that can kill already-weakened individuals
Most wildlife rescuers are volunteers and resources are always stretched — call before arriving
Many animals found at night or in bad weather simply need monitoring rather than capture
Transporting a wild animal incorrectly can cause further injury and stress

Welfare Considerations

Well-intentioned intervention often causes more harm than help. An apparently orphaned fox cub or fledgling bird is usually under parental supervision — removing it creates a genuine orphan from a temporarily isolated individual. Animals that genuinely need rescue experience severe stress during handling that can prove fatal for birds in particular. Containment in cardboard boxes without appropriate ventilation, temperature, or darkness causes additional distress. The welfare-optimal approach prioritises assessment before intervention and professional help when intervention is needed.

What You Can Do

Observe any found animal from a distance for at least an hour before deciding to intervene
Contact a local wildlife rescue or the RSPCA/SSPCA helpline for advice before handling
If capture is necessary, use a towel, keep the animal in a dark, ventilated box, and minimise handling
Never offer food or water until a wildlife carer has given specific advice
Identify your nearest wildlife rescue centre now, before you need it in an emergency