Useful Wildlife Tips
Injured wild
animals are very easily stressed, and may react badly to being moved or even
touched. Some, such as seals, badgers, foxes, birds of prey and seabirds
(especially gannets), may also be dangerous and should always be approached with
caution. If in doubt, leave them where they are and seek expert help.
Fledglings
which are not yet able to fly should be left alone unless obviously injured or
in immediate danger from predators such as cats. The parents are probably nearby
and will return when you leave. Never disturb nesting birds as this may lead to
the eggs or nestlings being permanently abandoned.
Swans and other
wildfowl are vulnerable to various types of pollution in our rivers and
seas. If you notice signs of pollution report it immediately to the authorities.
Never try to clean oiled birds yourself as this is a specialised job. If the
bird can be caught safely and easily, place it in a well ventilated cardboard
box in a warm place until help arrives.
Bats
become ‘torpid’ during poor weather, allowing their body temperature to fall as
a way of conserving vital energy. In such cases a bat that appears sick will
often recover if gently warmed in the hand. There is a network of local Bat
Groups throughout the UK which will look after stray and injured bats.
Hedgehogs
born late in the year are often too small and undernourished to survive
hibernation. If found they should be fed and cared for until they reach a weight
of at least 750g. Feed hedgehogs with dog or cat food mixed with water, but do
not give them cows’ milk. In autumn turn over piles of garden leaves before
burning them, as a hedgehog may already have built its winter nest among them.
Seals which
show no obvious signs of injury should always be left alone. Even seal pups can
inflict a nasty bite, and children and dogs should be kept away. Pups which
appear to have been abandoned are often only resting on the beach while the
mother waits nearby in the water to feed them.
Remember that it is easier to prevent injuries to wildlife than to treat them. Never leave litter such as plastic bags, cans, broken glass or old fishing tackle lying around. Avoid using slug pellets and chemicals in the garden. Feed birds in winter and give them fresh, unfrozen water to drink. In spring provide them with 'predator-safe' nesting boxes.
All incidents of wildlife crime should be reported to the Wildlife Liaison Officer at your nearest police station.
Cases of nest-robbing or of deliberate injury to protected birds can be reported to the RSPB Investigations Branch.
Useful Contact Numbers
RSPCA - 0870 5555 999 SSPCA - 0131 339 0111
RSPB - 01767 680 551 BSWT - 01289 302 882