Before you start
- Gloves (thick gloves for anything that might bite)
- A towel
- A cardboard box with air holes
- The phone number of a local wildlife rescue or animal welfare organisation
Method 1 Decide if it needs help
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Step 1: Watch from a distance
Keep pets and people away and watch quietly for a while. Many parents leave babies alone for long periods and return to feed them.
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Step 2: Look for signs of real trouble
An animal needs help if it’s bleeding, has an obvious injury, can’t stand or fly, has been caught by a cat or dog, is covered in flies, is shivering or weak, or a parent is known to be dead.
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Step 3: Baby birds
A fledgling (feathered, hopping, can grip your finger) is learning to fly and is usually fine; leave it, or move it to a nearby bush if it’s in danger. A nestling (few or no feathers) has fallen too early; if you can see the nest, gently put it back.
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Step 4: Young mammals
Young deer, hares and rabbits are often left alone on purpose. Leave them unless clearly injured or in danger.
Method 2 Get expert advice
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Step 1: Call a wildlife rescue
Search for a local wildlife rescue, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, animal welfare charity, or your national wildlife or parks authority. Describe the animal and its condition.
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Step 2: Follow their instructions
They’ll tell you whether to leave it, contain it, or bring it in, and how to do so safely.
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Step 3: Note the location
Write down exactly where you found it. Rehabilitated animals are often released where they were found.
Method 3 Contain an injured animal safely (if advised)
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Step 1: Protect yourself
Wear gloves. Approach slowly and quietly from behind.
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Step 2: Use a towel
Gently drop a towel over small animals or birds, then scoop them up with it, supporting the body.
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Step 3: Place it in a box
Put it in a cardboard box with air holes and a soft cloth on the bottom, and close the lid securely.
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Step 4: Keep it dark, quiet and warm
Darkness reduces stress. Keep the box away from pets, children and noise. A warm (not hot) hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can help a cold baby animal.
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Step 5: Don’t feed or give water
The wrong food can kill wild animals, and water can be inhaled. Wait for expert advice.
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Step 6: Don’t check constantly
Handling and looking in the box causes stress. Get the animal to the rescue as soon as you can.
Troubleshooting
I can’t reach a wildlife rescue
Try a local vet; many will take injured wildlife or know who will. Keep the animal contained, dark and quiet meanwhile.
A bird flew into my window and is stunned
Place it in a ventilated box in a quiet, dark place for an hour or two, then open the box outside. If it can’t fly away, call a rescue.
My cat caught a bird or mammal
Even small wounds from cats can cause fatal infections. Contact a wildlife rescue quickly; the animal may need antibiotics.
Frequently asked questions
Will a bird reject a baby I’ve touched?
No. Most birds have a poor sense of smell. Return a nestling to its nest if you can.
Should I give milk to a baby animal?
No. Cow’s milk can make wild animals very ill. Wait for expert advice.
What if the animal is on the road?
Only help if it’s safe for you. Use hazard lights, watch for traffic, and call a rescue or the police for large animals.
Summary
Watch from a distance first, as many baby animals aren’t orphaned. If an animal is truly injured or in danger, call a wildlife rescue for advice, and if told to, use gloves and a towel to place it in a ventilated box kept dark, quiet and warm, with no food or water. Never handle bats, snakes or large animals, and see a doctor after any bite or scratch.
