What to do if you find a sick or injured animal
Sick and injured wildlife often have to be euthanased. When you find an animal in distress or in need of help you should:
- Observe the animal for signs of injury or illness and approach it carefully. The animal will be scared and will try to run away, bite and scratch you.
- Remove the immediate threat. This might involve moving the animal off the road, out of a swimming pool or away from other animals (cats, dogs, birds).
- Check if dead marsupials have live young in their pouch. The pouch young may survive with the proper care.
- Make sure that any actions you take are done safely. When driving take the time to park carefully and do not put yourself or anyone else in danger.
Contact the RSPCA, wildlife care organisations or your local vet for help. Identify or describe the animal, what has happened to it (i.e. car accident, orphaned, attacked by a dog or cat), where and when you found it and what condition it appears to be in.
Last updated: 17 November 2004