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Found Injured Wildlife?
Follow these simple steps. Do not put yourself at risk, and always seek professional help.
If the animal is in immediate danger or you feel unsafe, call the appropriate emergency service. Do not attempt a rescue yourself.
Step 1 — Stay Safe
Do not put yourself at risk. Your safety always comes first. Do not enter dangerous areas, climb to reach an animal, or put yourself in traffic to help.
Step 2 — Keep Your Distance
Some wildlife can bite, scratch, carry disease, or become distressed when handled. Observe from a safe distance. Do not attempt to catch or handle the animal unless you are trained and authorised to do so.
Step 3 — Do Not Automatically Give Food or Water
Inappropriate feeding or watering can sometimes cause harm. Only offer food or water if specifically advised to do so by a wildlife professional or veterinary practice.
Step 4 — Contact Appropriate Professional Help
Contact a verified wildlife rescue organisation, veterinary practice, or other appropriate service. Use our Wildlife Help Directory to find the right support.
Step 5 — If Safe, Record Useful Information
Note the animal type, approximate location, condition, visible injuries, date and time found, and take a photograph if it is safe and appropriate to do so. You can submit this through our report form.
Information to Record
If it is safe to do so, note the following to help professionals:
- Animal type (e.g. pigeon, hedgehog, fox)
- Approximate location (general area only — not precise)
- Condition and visible injuries
- Date and time found
- Photograph, where safe and appropriate
Do not encourage users to handle wildlife unnecessarily. Do not share precise locations of vulnerable wildlife publicly.
