Other than obvious injuries the bigest danger to casualty wildlife is SHOCK. This is a potentially fatal situation where the body’s systems shut down due to stress, pain or blood loss. The stress for a wild creature suddenly in close contact with humans is enormous so PLEASE consider this before and as a casualty is handled. If it is unavoidable that the animal must be handled then plan ahead as much as posible, find a safe box, line it with torn up paper (not hay) use a solf cloth to pick up the animal and put it in the box as gently as possible. Close the lid and avoid peeping. Put the box somewhere quiet, dark and warm and give us a call for what to do next.
However do not put yourself at risk! Wildlife can be dangerous, especially bagers, foxes and the larger birds. If unsure leave well alone and just call us but please take careful note of where the casualty is situated and if you cannot remain with it until we arrive then mark the place clearly with a stick, something tied to the hedge or fence or a similar marker. There is nothing worse than arriving to help but being unable to find the injured creature as it may try and move from where it was found once you have moved away.
Athena Animal Rescue 