05/06/2026
Not sure what to do if you find injured wildlife?
It can be difficult to know the right course of action when you come across injured or distressed wildlife. To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together some simple guidance on what to do and who to contact.
First things first – take a moment to assess the situation
Not all animals that appear alone actually need help. For example, fledgling birds often spend time on the ground while learning to fly, while their parents continue to feed and watch over them nearby.
However, intervention is likely needed if the animal is visibly injured, bleeding, covered in flies, cold, or in immediate danger (such as near a road, water, or predators).
If you need to move the animal, do so carefully
If it is safe to do so, gently place the animal in a well-ventilated box lined with a towel or soft cloth. Keep it in a quiet, dark, and warm space, away from noise, pets, and children. Try to minimise handling as much as possible to reduce stress.
Please don’t try to feed or treat it yourself
As natural as it feels to want to help, feeding or giving water to injured wildlife can often do more harm than good. The best thing you can do is keep the animal safe and calm until advice or assistance arrives.
A note about deer:
If you find an injured deer on the road, or you’ve hit a deer yourself, find a safe place to pull over and call 101. Give your precise location and request assistance.
Do not approach or attempt to handle it. Deer can become highly stressed and may injure themselves or people if disturbed. has plenty of helpful info here:
https://bds.org.uk/information-advice/issues-with-deer/advice-for-drivers/
Who to contact for other wildlife:
For expert help and advice, please contact:
* Secret World Wildlife Rescue
Open daily, 8am–8pm
01278 783250
www.secretworld.org
* RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre
Open daily, 8am–9pm
0300 123 0721
www.rspca.org.uk/local/west-hatch-wildlife-centre
Other helpful resources:
* Somerset Wildlife Trust – www.somersetwildlife.org/wildlife-advice
* British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council – www.bwrc.org.uk/rehabilitators
Important
Please do not bring injured wildlife to Ferne Animal Sanctuary. As much as we’d love to help, we do not have on-site veterinary care or the specialist facilities needed to treat wild animals. Travelling here can delay the animal receiving urgent professional care.
A final note
Helping wildlife can be incredibly rewarding, but getting the right advice quickly is key to giving animals the best possible chance of recovery and release. Thank you for caring and taking the time to do the right thing.
