Who to Call for Injured Wildlife
In this increasingly urbanized world where city boundaries and natural wildlife habitats often coincide, it’s not uncommon to encounter injured or distressed wildlife – be it a bird with a damaged wing, an orphaned baby squirrel, or even a larger mammal like a deer in trouble. It can be heart-wrenching to see, and the immediate reaction is often to want to help; however, good intentions can sometimes do more harm than good. It is crucial parallelly, to know who to call when you come across hurt wildlife to ensure the best chance of their survival.
The first and most important rule is not to take matters into your own hands. Every meeting with an animal in need can be a matter of life and death, so it’s important to contact professionals who know how to handle these delicate situations. This is where wildlife rehabilitation experts come into the picture. These rescue teams are skillfully trained in giving injured, sick or orphaned animals the care they need.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers exist all over the country, with experts who specialize in dealing with wildlife emergencies. Their primary function is to provide care for injured wildlife until they can be released back into their native habitats. Staffed by seasoned professionals and volunteers, these centers work tirelessly round the clock, year-round, dealing with a wide range of species.
When you encounter an injured animal, first make sure you are safe. Wild animals are unpredictable, especially when threatened or hurt. Never put yourself or others at risk. Once you determine you are not in any immediate danger, you should call a local rehabilitation center or animal control department. Before you do so, try to give them as much information as possible about the animal and its condition.
For smaller creatures like birds or squirrels, if it is entirely safe for you to do so, you can potentially secure the animal in a ventilated box or pet carrier before contacting wildlife rehabilitation. For larger animals or potentially dangerous species, it is highly recommended to avoid any direct contact. Instead, take note of the animal’s location and behaviour, and pass this information on to the professionals.
Many cities and municipalities have their own designated wildlife rescue teams. For instance, in the United States, one can contact their local fish and wildlife service, state park service, or the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. Some areas have specific hotlines for wildlife emergencies that operate 24/7. In many parts of Australia, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) plays a paramount role in wildlife rescue. In the UK, RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or local wildlife hospitals serve similar purposes.
Technology too, has enhanced our ability to aid in wildlife rescue. There are numerous mobile apps available for wildlife emergencies, which users can utilize to contact rehabbers or report injured or distressed animals. These apps often include features for identifying species, understanding whether an animal is indeed in need of help, and locating the nearest expert assistance.
While the sight of injured wildlife can be upsetting, it’s important to remember that there are people trained to handle these situations. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to provide the right kind of help. By knowing who to call when you encounter an injured wild animal, you’re providing the animal with the best chance at survival and a successful return to the wild.
In conclusion, while dealing with hurt wildlife can be a complicated and sensitive issue, one thing remains simple: when in doubt, call the professionals. Wildlife rehabilitation centers and their dedicated teams are just a call away, ready to rescue and rehabilitate as the situation demands. Remember, your timely call could potentially save a life, and significantly contribute in maintaining the harmony of our incredible, shared ecosystems.