Help wildlife rescues (lifestyle tips and volunteering)

fox and cub

Art by Angie

Nearly all wildlife casualties are due to a few reasons (litter, road traffic etc). So here are tips on how to prevent many casualties.

Avoid ‘rescuing creatures’ if parents are nearby

Follow a ‘watch and wait policy’. Often parents are nearby, and you don’t want to be rescuing creatures that don’t need rescuing. If in doubt, call your local wildlife rescue for advice.

Don’t drop litter

Use car trash bags, personal ashtrays and Monomaster (to store fishing line until you find a recycling bin).

Avoid netting (most has ‘holes too big’)

Nearly all netting on sale has holes too big to be safe. Use fruit protection bags (like mesh) instead but remove during pollination. Also avoid or store away rotary washing lines.

Foxes often get stuck in football nets. So store away when not in use, or sports clubs can invest in Goal Wall (made from recycled plastic) to avoid netting.

Avoid this store’s birdhouses (made from plastic which could overheat, plain untreated wood is best – decorative bright colours also attract predators). They must also be sited and cleaned properly.

Learn how to create safe havens for garden birds and how to stop birds flying into windows.

No-dig organic gardening

Practice no-dig gardening (this especially protects earthworms and stag beetles). Use non-toxic humane slug/snail deterrents.

Also read up on pet-friendly gardens.

Ensure ponds have sloping sides

Ensure wildlife ponds have sloping sides (again no netting) and water bowls have shallow sides (add a small plank or stones, as bee/butterfly platforms).

Cover pools when not in use, and use FrogLog and Critter Skimmer.

Check under sheds etc before moving them 

Check under sheds/outbuildings/compost bins before moving/demolition (especially near end of hibernation).

Get expert help before town planning

Read building/planning info to help owls and bats. Town planners can help by not planting flowers in railings.

Be a wildlife-friendly driver

Keep to speed limits, be alert at dawn/dusk, use full beam at night (dipped lights are best in fog, rain or snow, or else light could reflect back and startle). Read more on making roads safer for wildlife.

Who to Call (when wildlife needs help)

Keep a large box with punched holes in your car boot with towels (no tassels) and thick  gloves.  Call wildlife rescues and rehabilitators (vets can also take in casualties, you don’t have to pay). For creatures needing specialist advice:

For injured deer and badgers, also call the RSPCA and police (trained marksmen can humanely shoot suffering creatures).

Don’t move large creatures yourself, they could run off with injuries. Instead, cover with a blanket and keep quiet, until help arrives. 

Tips to help wildlife rescues

  • Offer practical skills (from volunteering to transport).
  • Some welcome old newspapers (not glossy magazines) for lining cages and temporary bedding.
  • Some accept leftover medical supplies (not expired/opened) like bandages, new syringes and disposable gloves.
  • Donate anonymously through Charities Aid Foundation, add Gift Aid if you’re a UK taxpayer.
  • easyfundraising is another option (just sign up, then shops and services donate a portion of profits from each sale, to your chosen cause). Loyalty points are not affected.
  • Donate books: How to Hold Animals or rescue manuals: Practical Wildlife Care and Wildlife Search & Rescue.
  • Donate an Armor Hand Protector (created by a vet, after an angry patient bit her!) Wash to prevent infection with a microfiber filter.

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