When Wildlife Should Be Left Alone

Wildlife Is Wild

Wild animals are adapted to survive in their environment. Human intervention, even with the best intentions, can sometimes do more harm than good.

When to Leave Wildlife Alone

• Healthy adult animals going about their normal behaviour
• Fledglings on the ground learning to fly (parents are usually nearby)
• Foxes seen during the day (they are often active during daylight hours)
• Hedgehogs in gardens (they are foraging — this is normal)
• Birds feeding in your garden or local park

When to Seek Help

• Visible injuries — bleeding, limping, unable to move
• Animals in danger — on a road, trapped, or in immediate peril
• Baby animals with no parent present for an extended period
• Animals acting strangely — could indicate disease
• Orphaned wildlife — only if you are certain the parent is not returning

Do Not Capture or Handle

Unless you are trained and authorised, do not capture or handle wildlife. Handling can:

• Cause stress and injury
• Lead to disease transmission
• Result in the animal being unable to be released later

Do Not Feed Wildlife

Feeding wildlife can:

• Cause dependency on humans
• Lead to inappropriate diets
• Encourage animals to approach people, which can be dangerous
• Spread disease through shared food sources

Observe Responsibly

Enjoy watching wildlife from a distance. Use binoculars for a closer look. Do not approach, chase, or try to touch wild animals.

Important Reminder

When in doubt, contact a wildlife rescue organisation or veterinary practice for advice. It is always better to seek professional guidance than to act on instinct.