What To Do If You Find an Injured Wild Animal

You’re hiking around, driving, or going about your day when suddenly you find an injured animal.

It could be a wounded bird, a partially run-over small animal, or just appear injured.

Before you do anything- STOP. This is the ultimate guide for what to do if you find an injured wild animal.

To watch the video version of this post, click HERE now. 

You can also download the podcast button by clicking the "download podcast" link above. 

Step 1: OBSERVE

Look around, and observe the environment. If you’re hiking, there may be predators nearby. If the animal is in the road, then it may not be safe to do anything.

Some wild animals such as baby bears might have their mother nearby, and they would attack you if you were to touch the wild animal.

When in doubt, it’s ALWAYS better to leave the wild creature as it is and call a professional to handle the situation. If you’re out hiking or in nature, it may be best to leave things as is.

Dealing with a wild animal improperly could harm the animal more, or get you hurt.

The most important part of observation is to observe the animal itself- is it sick, angry, in terror, what is it doing?

Some wild animals “play dead” when they feel threatened, and so it might not be a good idea to touch it.

Many wild creatures if they are injured will be in a state of terror, and may think that you’re trying to harm them. Approaching them could scare them more, or make them attack you because they feel you will try to eat them.

Step 2: clear the area of immediate danger

Do not touch or approach the wild creature yet. You need to make sure the area around is safe.

For example, that there aren’t predators or hazards around that could harm you or the creature.

Step 3: call a wildlife professional

They will know what to do with the wildlife animal. Do not approach or touch the wild animal until you’ve called a wildlife professional.

There are several nuances in how to deal with each wildlife creature, so it would take us many blog posts & videos in order to explain each creature. It’s best to just give us (or the relevant local authorities) a call and let us help you out.

If you are given the clear to approach the wild animal, you should only do so after it’s been validated that the wild creature will not attack you or harm you, and you should use very thick gloves to protect you from potential bites and scratches.

If you are bit, scratched, or attack by a wildlife creature, it’s important that you go to a hospital immediately as this could transmit rabies or other deadly disease to you! s

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Met all my expectations!
Russ C., Mansfield, TX