Last time, we talked to you about what to do if your pet is in an emergency. But what do you do if you find a wild animal in need of your help? This week, the Karingal Vet Hospital team talks to you about what to do in a wildlife emergency.
Before you can help an injured animal, you have to make sure that the area is safe: if the animal is on the road, check to see if any cars are coming; or if the animal is down a gulley, only attend to it if you have secure footing. If either the animal or its setting are making you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, contact a wildlife rescue service rather than helping the animal yourself.
Do not handle any bat. Only people vaccinated against Lyssavirus should handle a bat. If you find a bat in need of rescue, contact one of the organisations we have listed on our Injured Wildlife page.
And ask yourself if the animal really needs your help.
Last time, we encouraged you to be gentle with an injured domesticated animal. This goes double for wild animals. They’re even less used to humans and our behaviour and aren’t likely to understand that you are trying to help them. If you must handle them, do it calmly, slowly and responsibly.
Wild animals belong in the wild. If you find an animal that needs help, you must take it to your nearest vet immediately. Not only is it illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet, most households don’t have the resources or experience to nurture wild animals back to health and if you try to take care of it yourself, you may do more harm than good. Don’t feed the animal or give them anything to drink. Record where you found the animal and, if you feel comfortable in handling the animal, bring them into either of our vet practices. You will not be charged a consultation fee for bringing in the animal.
There is legislation set out for wildlife emergencies and we adhere to these. When you bring in a wild animal, we will assess their medical condition. Once we diagnose the condition, we will then develop a strategy for the best treatment and care of the animal, including referral to a rehabilitation facility.
For more information on wildlife emergencies, including what we do, wildlife care and rehabilitation agencies, and for information on specific wildlife, visit our Injured Wildlife page.
Or if you have found a wild animal in need of help, contact us immediately.