When to step in and help and when not to
Quick guide by species.
It can be hard to know when to support wildlife, so we’ve prepared a simple guide to help you know when to step in. If an animal requires support in the Lancaster area please contact us on 07917 471726 and we will get out to assist you and the animal as soon as possible
When handling wildlife, please wear gloves to avoid bites and infection. Please do not give any medication to wildlife without consulting a vet or animal welfare professional.
Birds
There are obvious wounds or bleeding
If it has been caught by a cat or dog
It does not move when you approach
It cannot hold its head up
Bats
There are obvious wounds or bleeding
If it has been caught by a cat or dog
It does not move when you approach
Deer
Baby deer are often left by their mother’s in the woodland - if you find a baby deer in the woods, it is likely the mother is nearby foraging. Please leave them where they are if they are uninjured.
It does not move when you approach
It has obvious wounds
Swans
It is on the roadside
It is in an unusual location, such as a roadside
It cannot stand upβ
Otters
There are obvious wounds or bleeding
It doesn’t move when approached by someone
Is panting heavily
It is not reacting to noise
It is on the roadside
Watch from a distance; don’t try to stop it moving as this can cause unnecessary stress and further injury.
If you see an otter cub on its own, watch it from a distance first. If the cub has their eyes closed, then they’re too young to be above ground
Hedgehogs
There are obvious wounds or bleeding
It is uninterested in the food you’ve put out
It appears confused and lethargic
You can see flies, maggots, or ticks on the hedgehog
The hedgehog does not try to roll up when you approach or touch it
Rabbits
Swollen eyes, lips, nose, ears
It has obvious wounds or is bleeding
It has flies eggs
It has closed eyes or is not covered in fur - this will be a baby rabbit, please check for other babies nearby
A mother rabbit is dead nearby - a mother rabbit will have bald patches on her chest where the babies feed.
If you are still unsure, monitor the animal from a distance. If it is a baby, and the mother hasn’t returned within two hours, they will require rescuing.
Squirrels
It is not moving or moving very slowly when you approach
It has obvious injuries or is bleeding
It is very hunched over and struggling to hold its head
Rodents
If there is baby rodent out of the nest, with no fur or eyes closed
If there is a baby rodent, with dead parents nearby
It does not move when you approach
Fox
It doesn’t move when you approach
If it has serious injuries or is bleeding
Wildlife Care Blog.
A few little hints and tips to help you work out if a creature is in danger and needs help!
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Don't touch me!
This is a baby hare. Please, please leave them alone. They are left unattended all day in a field or scrubby corner by their mum.
