How to help wildlife
Our wildlife is facing threats from human activities causing climate change and biodiversity decline but there are ways we can all help. From helping wild animals when they’re injured or in distress to protecting habitats, every little action makes a difference.
“I believe all animals deserve our respect and kindness, whether they’re big or small,” says Rob Moffat, one of our Community Engagement Managers. “Everyone has a responsibility to make sure that they get the best welfare possible.”
When to give wildlife space
Just like humans, wild animals need their space. When we let them go about their daily routines without interference, they can thrive in their natural environments. Simply watching and enjoying them from a distance can be an act of kindness in itself.
It's tricky to know when wild animals need our help, and when to let them be. Many of the baby birds that are brought into our centres could actually have been left in a sheltered spot close to where they were found. That way their parents can still find them easily.
Unless you see wildlife in danger or at risk of harm, they're best left where they are in their environment. Only help and intervene if needed.
Keeping a close eye on animals that may be in distress can help us figure out whether it's best to seek expert care or leave them to recover in the wild. For example, it’s not unusual to see a lone seal lying on a beach and it doesn’t mean they’re unwell. In this instance, it’s best to monitor the seal from a distance for 24 hours. After that time, if it’s clear that the seal needs help, contact us on 0300 1234 999.
Don’t try to rescue, handle or transport large wild animals like seals, foxes or badgers yourself as they can be aggressive when stressed or injured. Instead, use our online triage tool to find the right expert who can quickly get them the help they need.
What to do if you find sick or injured wildlife
The quickest way to help a small sick or injured bird or mammal is to take it to your nearest vet or wildlife centre. Follow these steps to give the animal the best chance of survival:
Stay safe – never put yourself at risk by trying to help an animal that's in or near a hazardous environment such as on a cliff top, on ice, down a deep drain or on a road.
Consider the species – handling some animals like bats or snakes takes specialist knowledge, and can be hazardous. Make sure that handling them wouldn’t pose a risk to you. Visit our wildlife advice pages to find out more about how to help different wild animals.
Call ahead – before taking the small animal to the vet or centre, you should call to let them know you are coming. They may offer guidance over the phone.
Cover up – wear thick gloves, long sleeves and trousers to protect yourself from potential scratches or bites.
Ask someone for help – you may need an extra pair of hands or moral support.
Gently wrap the animal in a towel or blanket – this will help calm them.
Use a transport box – put the animal in a secure cardboard box with air holes or a pet carrier.
Keep contact to a minimum – don’t bring the animal inside your house and, if transporting it in a vehicle, keep the windows open.
Clean up afterwards – once you’ve delivered the wild animal, wash any clothing or towels that have come into contact with it and disinfect all other surfaces, like the inside of your car.
Create a safe environment for wildlife
Showing kindness to wildlife isn’t just about helping individual animals, it’s about respecting and protecting the delicate balance of nature.
Our animal rescue line receives around 10 calls a day about animals affected by litter. By binning rubbish safely instead of littering, we're making choices that could save the lives of many wild animals.
We can also make our outdoor spaces and gardens more wildlife-friendly by having plants for pollinators, avoiding using chemicals and making sure there isn’t any loose netting that wild animals can get tangled up in.
“Planting native flowers and trees provides food and homes for insects and other invertebrates, which in turn welcomes animals like birds and hedgehogs,” says our Scientific and Policy Officer Rebecca Machin. “Keeping areas unmown, or with a pile of leaves or old logs, also provides habitats for a range of wild animals. Welcoming wildlife into our lives is good for our wellbeing too!”
When we nurture positive relationships with wildlife, we create a world where animals and humans can coexist happily.
If you have any concerns about a wild animal, our RSPCA triage tool will help direct you to the right expert care.