Tens of
thousands of wild birds 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. 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 keep a list of
wildlife rescues throughout Britain.
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.