How to help trapped animals

It is very tempting when faced with this scenario to want to save the animal yourself by simply cutting it free. But there are several good reasons why you should not do this.

First of all, a trapped animal will be extremely frightened and will view your approach not as help but as a great threat. It will try to defend itself and if the victim is a squirrel, fox, badger, deer or swan for example it could cause you serious injury. These animals should only be handled by experienced rescuers with specialist equipment.

Secondly, there is no way of knowing how long the animal has been trapped. It may be dehydrated, malnourished, suffering from shock, hypothermia or heat stroke. The animal may need a chance to rest and recuperate before being made to face the challenges of life in the wild again.

Thirdly, and most importantly, this scenario can leave the victim with a condition known as pressure necrosis. Basically where the netting or snare was cutting off the blood supply the surrounding tissue or even whole limbs can die off causing infections and gangrene. This may not be immediately apparent and may take a couple of days to develop so it is vital that every animal trapped in this way is treated and observed by an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. This applies not only to large animals trapped in fences etc but also to smaller animals and birds with string, fishing line or plastic beer can holders wrapped around them. Basically, as a rule of thumb always seek the help of a good wildlife rescue when dealing with any wildlife casualty.