Living in the countryside, animals can come into contact with cars or may just need a helping hand to ensure they don’t come to harm.
The following guidance may be of assistance as well as links to specialist organisations and veterinarians local to Thorpe Morieux who are equipped to help.
If you find an injured wild animal, watch it first to see how badly hurt it is. Then if possible take it to a nearby vet or wildlife rehabilitation centre. Ensure you call first to make sure they are able to treat and accommodate the animal.
Wild animals can scratch and bite when frightened, particularly if they are injured. If in doubt, keep a safe distance and call the RSPCA.
Apply common sense when approaching any injured animal:
- Do not attempt to handle or transport an injured deer, seal, wild boar, otter, badger, fox, snake, bird of prey (including owls), swan, goose, heron or gull, keep a safe distance and call 0300 1234 999.
- Never lift a wild animal, unless you are sure that you can do so without risk to yourself or others.
- Wear gloves when handling all wild animals.
- Keep the animal away from your face.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling an animal.
- Take care in dangerous locations, such as a busy road. Watch from a distance first to see whether the animal is still alive, call for help if you can’t reach it safely.
- Never try to free an animal from a snare or trap – you risk hurting yourself and the animal and it could be an offence if the animal was legally caught. Stay back to avoid stressing the animal and call the RSPCA with the location.
RSPCA
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals
Hedgehogs
The Suffolk Wildlife Trust provides useful information and general advice on Hedgehog Welfare along with details of local carers who may be able to assist.