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What to do with injured wild animals
If you find an injured wild animal, watch it first to see how badly hurt it is. Then if possible take it to a nearby vet or wildlife rehabilitator (call first to make sure they can take and treat the animal).
It's often faster to take an animal to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator yourself as our nearest officer may be out of the area attending other calls.
If you're unable to transport the animal and cannot find a wildlife rehabilitator who is able to help, contact us about an animal in distress. If possible, contain the animal before calling.
Be careful when approaching wild animals, they can scratch and bite when frightened, particularly if they're injured. If in doubt, keep a safe distance and call us on 0300 1234 999.
Who to call for certain animals
The following animals can't be handled or transported by the public:
- an injured deer
- seal
- wild boar
- otter
- badger
- fox
- snake
- bird of prey (including owls)
- swan
- goose
- heron
- gull.
If you see one, keep a safe distance and call us on 0300 1234 999.
Found a whale, dolphin or porpoise
If you find a whale, dolphin or porpoise on a beach call us or the BDMLR immediately. Keep a safe distance and don't touch the animal.
Animals in traps
Never try to free an animal from a snare or trap - you risk hurting yourself and the animal and it could be an offence if the animal was legally caught.
Stay back to avoid stressing the animal and call us with the location.
If you need to handle an injured animal
Only lift a wild animal if you're sure that you can do so without risk to yourself or others. Make sure you also keep the animal away from your face.
Wear gloves when handling all wild animals, especially oiled wildlife - pollutants like oil can be hazardous. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling an animal as well.
Take care in dangerous locations, such as a busy road. Watch from a distance first to see whether the animal is still alive, call for help if you can't reach it safely.
Capture and boxing injured wildlife
If it's safe to catch and handle the animal, then, wearing suitable gloves, quickly place it into a secure cardboard box with ventilation holes, lined with a towel or newspaper.
Keep the animal quiet and take it to a vet (call first to make sure they can take and treat the animal), one of our wildlife centres or your local wildlife rehabilitator, (but note not all have been inspected by us). If you are unable to transport the animal, call 0300 1234 999.
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