How to Help Wildlife Hit by Cars


Tens of thousands of wild birds and animals are killed and injured on Britains roads every year. The really sad thing is that so many are left to die a slow death as they are repeatedly run over when many could be saved with proper help.

If the victim is a small bird or animal (and it is safe for you to do so) you can simply pick it up carefully using gloves or a towel or jumper and place it in a suitable box or container. Then arrange for it to be properly assessed for it's injuries at a wildlife rescue.

If the victim is larger such as a swan, fox, badger or deer then you will need to seek expert assistance and should not attempt to pick the animal up yourself. If possible, position your car so that it shields the casualty from other vehicles. Then cover the animal, particularly the head, to keep it calm. You may then wish to notify the police as they sometimes attend accidents involving larger animals. Obviously then call a wildlife rescue for assistance.

Whilst you wait please keep your distance from the casualty and ensure others do the same to avoid causing the animal further stress. Some animals, particularly deer, in this situation will go into shock and freeze which can give the animal the appearance of being tame. Many's the time we've seen people stroking an injured deer thinking they were providing it comfort, sometimes even with their dog sitting next to them!! In fact the poor animal is paralysed with terror. So please, cover the animals head, keep people and other animals away and try to talk only in whispers. Minimising stress at this point can literally make the difference between life and death for the casualty.

Of course you won't be able to read this when you're on the scene so please take this opportunity to visit our wildlife rescue listings pages and make a note of numbers in your area. It's also worth taking a note of the number for St Tiggywinkles who also keep a list of wildlife rescues throughout Britain.

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