Back
Uninvited Guests?
Also see the Wildlife Rehabiliators Network of BC or contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator outside of BC.
Wildlife in Distress
General Guidelines
Injured wild birds and mammals need professional help, and skilled treatment is provided by wildlife hospitals throughout the world. Most facilities rely on members of the public to bring injured wildlife to their centre. There are two main points to consider when handling wildlife in distress:
- They are WILD:
A great blue heron with it's sharp beak
Every wild animal has survival instincts and reacts to human attempts to handle it as it would to a predator. Gulls and crows can easily pierce skin and damage muscle tissue with their strong and fast beaks. Long-necked birds, in attempts to escape, instinctively dart for human eyes with lightning quick, needle sharp beaks, and almost every bird (birds of prey, crows etc.) will grasp its helping 'captor' with its talons at any opportunity. Protect Yourself:- Ensure you are comfortable and prepared for your actions
- Wear thick garden gloves and goggles if necessary
- Keep your face away from the animal at all times
- Handle the animal as little as possible
-
They are in DISTRESS:
Be cautious of an injured bird of prey's talons
One of the biggest causes of death of injured wildlife in human hands is stress-related heart attacks. The only time wildlife is touched by a different species in its natural life is when it is predator or prey. Birds of all sizes die during transportation due to excessive and unnecessary handling. Protect the Animal:- Avoid "checking on the animal"
The best things you can provide for the injured animal are warmth, dark and quiet - Keep the animal in a securely closed, ventilated box in a warm, dark area away from pets and children until transport to a rehabilitator has been arranged
- Do not feed or provide water. Food can cause death in a dehydrated animal and damage and soil feathers. Injured wildlife can drown in water dishes (even shallow ones) provided for them
- Avoid "checking on the animal"
Orphaned Wildlife?
A group of ducklings whose mother is probably very near by
Both birds and mammal youngsters often appear abandoned to human eyes, while in fact, their parents are watching them from nearby. Call a wildlife rehabilitator in your area before acting to ensure the animal needs help from human hands.
Injured Bird?
If you discover an injured bird, make sure you are comfortable and prepared for your actions. If you do not feel comfortable or if the injured species (raptors, herons, large birds) appears threatening to you, contact a a wildlife rehabilitator in your area.
Before you begin:
- Consider whether you can help the bird without putting your safety at risk
- Be aware of the bird's defensive actions (raptor's beaks and talons, heron's rapid neck movement and sharp beak, etc.)
When you are ready:
- Use thick gardening gloves and eye goggles if necessary
- Prepare a proportionately-sized, towel or paper padded box with air holes
- Approach the bird with a large towel or piece of clothing
- Cover as much of the bird as possible with the cloth, concentrating on covering the bird's head
- Gently but firmly bundle and wrap the bird
- Place the towel and bird in the box
- Close the box securely
Injured Mammal or Reptile?
Approaching and handling an injured mammal or reptile poses a direct risk to your safety. WILD animals in distress are in pain, scared and will defend themselves. Even a squirrel's teeth can easily puncture your muscle tissue. No wild mammal or reptile should be approached or handled without prior discussion with a wildlife rehabilitator in your area:
Wildlife Rehabiliators Network of BC.
