What to Do First When You Find an Injured Wild Animal

What should you do first if you find an injured wild animal?

• A. Call a wildlife rehabilitator immediately
• B. Assess the situation to determine if the animal actually needs assistance
• C. Try to capture the animal for further examination
• D. Leave the animal alone and check back later

Answer: (B)

The first step in dealing with an injured wild animal is to assess the situation to determine if the animal actually needs assistance. It is crucial to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the animal's injury, as not all wildlife that appears injured truly requires human intervention. Some animals may be in a vulnerable state due to natural behaviors, such as fledgling birds learning to fly or mammals temporarily separated from their young. By carefully observing the animal from a safe distance, you can gather information about its condition, the severity of the apparent injury, and whether it is truly orphaned or abandoned. This assessment helps prevent unnecessary interference, which can sometimes do more harm than good, such as causing additional stress to the animal or disrupting its natural behaviors. Taking this measured approach ensures that wildlife rehabilitators are only called in situations where genuine help is needed, which can optimize the chances of successful rehabilitation and release back into the wild. After making a proper assessment, if assistance is deemed necessary, then calling a wildlife rehabilitator would be the next appropriate step.

So, you’re out in nature, enjoying the fresh air, and suddenly spot an injured wild animal. Your heart sinks a little, doesn’t it? It’s a tough situation. But what’s the first step you should take? Let’s dive into that!

When you come across an injured critter, the very first thing you should do is assess the situation to figure out if the animal genuinely needs help. It’s crucial to recognize that not every animal that looks hurt is in need of human intervention. Some may just be going through a tough, yet entirely normal, phase of their lifecycle. For example, fledgling birds often appear abandoned as they’re clumsily learning to fly. And sometimes, mother mammals just take a break and leave their young for a while—totally normal behavior!

Now, here’s the catch: jumping to conclusions and rushing in can cause more harm than good. Being a bit of a wildlife detective means observing the animal from a safe distance. Are its wings askew, or is it merely resting? Is it moving around, or is it just lying there, possibly in distress? Carefully watching its behaviors might reveal whether it’s truly orphaned or simply in a vulnerable position momentarily.

By taking a breath and carefully determining the severity of the apparent injury, you’ll be in a better place to decide what action, if any, is necessary. Picture this: a frightened animal, already stressed, being swooped up by a stranger can be more traumatic than leaving it alone for a while. We owe it to these wild beings to intervene only when absolutely needed. After you’ve assessed the situation, if your inner gut tells you ‘Wow, this animal really could use some help,’ then it’s time to reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator.

This next step is vital. A wildlife rehabilitator has the expertise to handle the animal effectively and can provide it with the care required for its recovery. Not only does this improve the chances of rehabilitation, but it also ensures that the animal has the best shot at eventually returning to its natural habitat.

In conclusion, the next time you come across an injured wild animal, let your first step be assessing the situation. It’s a small moment that allows you to gather the right information before making a decision—one that can help safeguard that precious life. Remember, nature is resilient, and sometimes, all it needs is a little patience from us humans.