As animal lovers, we all feel a sense of responsibility to help wildlife in need. Seeing an injured animal can be heartbreaking, and we want to do everything we can to help. However, rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife is not a simple task and requires knowledge, patience, and experience. In this blog, Robin Leigh Svec will discuss how to safely rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife so that you can help these beautiful creatures without harming them or putting yourself in danger.
Safety First
The first rule of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife is to prioritize your own safety. Wild animals are unpredictable and dangerous, so proper equipment and training are essential before the rescue starts. Some necessary tools include thick gloves, nets, carriers, and protective clothing.
Learn about the animal’s behavior and associated dangers beforehand. For instance, raccoons can carry rabies, so avoiding them or calling wildlife experts is best. Remember to approach wildlife cautiously and take safety seriously to avoid harm.
Identify And Assess The Situation
Before attempting to rescue an injured animal, it is crucial to identify what type of animal it is and assess its condition. You can do this by observing and listening to the animal. Determine whether it has visible injuries, is alert, or shows signs of distress.
Once you have determined the animal’s condition, you can then decide whether it needs to be captured, taken to a vet or animal rescue, or left alone. Not all animals need rescuing. Some might be better off alone in their natural habitat.
Capture And Transport Safely
If you need to rescue an injured animal, it is essential to do so carefully and without causing them additional harm. Start by using the appropriate equipment and avoiding direct contact with the animal. You should seek professional advice or search for online resources about specific animal capture techniques and tactics.
While capturing the animal, avoid loud noises and sudden movements, and keep the animal calm. Once you have captured the animal, carefully transport it to a vet or animal rescue center in a secure carrier or box. Don’t forget to ensure they have plenty of ventilation and warmth during transport.
Caring For Injured Wildlife
If you decide to care for an injured animal, it is essential to provide it with the proper nutrition, shelter, and medical care it needs. The diet and habitat requirements differ depending on the type of animal you are working with. For instance, baby birds need a varied diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, while squirrels need high-fiber, high-protein, and low-fat foods.
In terms of location, the animal’s enclosure should mimic its natural habitat as much as possible. You can seek professional advice or reliable online resources for more information on caring for specific wildlife.
Release The Animal Back To The Wild
The ultimate goal of rehabilitating wildlife is to release them back into their natural habitat after fully recovering from their injuries. When the animal is healthy enough to be released, you should take them to a safe location that provides adequate shelter and food. It is important to avoid releasing them in areas busy with cars, buildings, or other potential animal safety threats.
In addition to physically releasing the animal, monitoring their progress and ensuring they adapt well to their new environment is important. If you notice any issues or concerns, seeking advice from wildlife experts or contacting the appropriate authorities for assistance is best.
Conclusion
Rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife is a noble and fulfilling endeavor. However, it requires patience, experience, and proper equipment to do it safely and effectively. Remember to prioritize your safety, correctly identify the animal and assess its condition, capture and transport it carefully, care for it properly, and release it back into the wild when it fully recovers. By following these guidelines, you can help save the lives of many beautiful animals and positively impact our planet’s ecosystem.