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.

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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