What If You Find An Injured Animal?

What to Do When You Find an Injured Animal

Discovering an injured animal can be a difficult and emotional experience, but knowing what to do in such a situation is important to ensure the animal gets the help it needs. Whether it’s a wild animal or a domestic pet, your actions could mean the difference between life and death. Follow these steps to handle the situation safely and responsibly:

1. Assess the Situation (From a Safe Distance)

Before you approach the animal, take a moment to assess the situation. Injured animals can be scared and unpredictable, and getting too close could stress them further or even put you in danger. Ask yourself:

Is the animal conscious and moving?
Is it in immediate danger (e.g., near a road or predator)?
Can you identify visible injuries like bleeding, broken limbs, or difficulty breathing?

If it’s safe to do so, observe the animal from a distance and note any specific injuries or behaviors you notice.

2. Do Not Approach or Handle the Animal (Unless Absolutely Necessary)

Wild animals, in particular, can feel threatened by humans and may try to defend themselves even when injured. Many species carry diseases that could harm you or your pets, so it’s best to keep your distance. Handling a wild animal can also worsen its injuries if not done properly. Only move or touch the animal if:

It is in immediate danger (e.g., in the middle of a busy road).
You’ve been instructed to by a professional wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian.

If you must handle the animal, wear gloves and use a towel or blanket to gently cover it. Keep in mind that even small animals can bite or scratch.

3. Contact a Professional

Once you’ve assessed the situation, the next step is to call for professional help. Depending on the animal and your location, you may need to contact:

A local wildlife rehabilitation center: They are trained to care for injured wild animals and can guide you on what to do next.
A veterinarian: If the animal is a pet or domesticated animal, contact a nearby vet for immediate assistance.
Animal control: In some cases, animal control services may be able to come to the scene to assist with the rescue.

Provide them with as much information as possible, including the animal’s species, its condition, and your exact location.

4. Keep the Animal Calm and Safe

If instructed to bring the animal to a wildlife center or vet, transport it carefully. Place the animal in a secure container, like a box with air holes, lined with soft material like a towel to prevent further injury. Keep the container in a quiet, dark place to minimize stress, and avoid loud noises or sudden movements.

Never attempt to feed the animal, give it water, or try to treat its injuries on your own. These actions could do more harm than good.

5. Follow Up and Learn

Once the animal is in the hands of professionals, your part may be done, but there’s more you can do:

Ask for updates: In many cases, wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians may update you on the animal’s progress.
Get involved: Learn more about wildlife conservation, how to prevent injuries to animals, and what your community can do to protect local wildlife.
Educate others: Share what you’ve learned with friends, family, and classmates to help more people understand how to handle injured animals responsibly.

Special Considerations

Birds: If you find a bird that appears to be injured, especially after flying into a window, give it some time before assuming it’s badly hurt. Birds can sometimes be stunned and may fly away after a few minutes. If it’s still unable to fly after a while, contact a bird rescue organization. Additionally, keep in mind that birds are extremely sensitive to changes in the scent of their peers. If a bird's scent becomes influenced by your own hands, they might be abandoned by their families.
Baby Animals: If you come across a baby animal that seems to be abandoned, don’t assume it needs help right away. Often, parents leave their young alone for periods of time. Only intervene if the baby appears to be injured, or you are certain the parent is not returning.
Marine Animals: For injured marine animals (seals, sea birds, etc.), contact local marine animal rescue services. Do not attempt to return them to the water.

When Not to Intervene

Sometimes animals appear injured but don’t actually need help. For example, many birds fledge from the nest before they are fully capable of flight and spend time hopping on the ground while their parents watch from nearby. Similarly, deer leave their fawns hidden for long periods. It’s essential to make sure an animal really needs assistance before intervening.

Remember: You Are Not Alone

It can be hard to see an injured animal, but by following these steps, you’re doing your best to help. Whether you succeed or not, you've tried your best to safe a life. Wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, and other professionals are there to provide the expert care these animals need to recover and return to their natural habitats.

If you're ever in doubt, always contact a professional for advice and support. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals and contribute to the overall well-being of our planet's wildlife. Thank you for your interest in reading this article

By understanding how to approach situations like these responsibly, we can better protect the animals we care about and help sustain the rich biodiversity of our world.