We’re fortunate in Australia to be surrounded by incredible native animals. Unfortunately, it can be normal to encounter sick or injured wildlife, and if that occurs, it’s often difficult to determine how to proceed. If you’re in the situation of having to come across a sick or injured wild animal, it’s essential to be ready with the fundamentals.

Find out more here for additional advice.

What should I do?

If you encounter injured or sick animals, the best action to take is to call your local veterinarian or wildlife-carer organization promptly. It is a good idea to conduct some research prior to the time and have the numbers saved.

It is important to keep in mind that wild animals aren’t accustomed to being handled, and they are likely to be stressed if they come in contact with human beings. It is recommended to seek advice from a specialist before taking a wild animal so that a professional can guide you through the procedure. If you are able, you can reduce how much exposure the sick or injured animal is exposed to loud noises, people, and other animals.

Be sure not to feed or treat animals unless you have the expertise or experience.

What will happen after?

If injured, sick, or abandoned wild animals have been admitted to a vet’s office, it is important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. To be eligible for rehabilitation or release, wild animals should be capable of recovering and reaching the point where they are able to eat and care for themselves within the area that they were taken from. If the animal is in severe pain or discomfort that cannot be resolved, then the veterinarian might determine that euthanasia immediately is the most effective option.

Some animals that are injured or sick are abandoned, and they are suitable for rehabilitation or release. It is not possible to always be presumed that an animal released will be able to survive long-term. Therefore, the decision to release an animal must be based on the results of a veterinary evaluation and evidence from the scientific community regarding the likelihood of successful release.

Birds injured or abandoned.

It’s not uncommon to find abandoned or injured birds. First, determine whether the bird is damaged or abandoned. In the season of nesting, birds that have fledged recently (left their nest) can be found lying on the ground as they are surrounded by their parent(s) eating nearby. The birds may appear abandoned, but they’re not. If a baby bird is feathered, be left alone and keep an eye on it from a distance to determine whether the parents return. If they don’t show up there, contact your local wildlife rescue organization and provide a brief, specific description of your bird. They’ll give you further information in relation to the bird’s species and the place.

If you spot an animal that has suffered injury or was abandoned, you must be sure to keep them safe, quiet at a safe distance, calm and cool or warm according to the weather as you seek out further assistance. The best method to accomplish this is to cover the animal in tea towels before you carefully place them in an air-conditioned and secure box. The box should be kept away from heat, noise, or pets. It should also be away from children, pets, or other noises. You mustn’t give food to the birds. Contact your local wildlife rescue group, which can offer further assistance.

Follow these guidelines By following these tips. You’ll be in a good position to act whenever you see wounded wildlife in order to give the animal the greatest chance of survival and rehabilitation. The RSPCA deeply appreciates the effort and concern of people in our community to aid wildlife in need.