| Wildlife Rescue Tips |
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1. When does an animal need rescuing?
- when the animal's parent(s) are known to be dead.
- when the animal is thin, cold, weak or appears sick.
- when the animal is injured.
- when there are flies buzzing around or crawling on the animal.
- when the animal is in obvious danger
- when the animal has been in the mouth of a cat.
- when an animal is definitely frozen in ice.
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2. When NOT to rescue.
- when you would endanger yourself or others.
- when one parent remains alive. In most bird species.
- the same with older juvenile mammals, in most cases.
- when the injury is old and the animal appears in good health.
- when you have to chase the animal. (try again later)
- when the animal appears to be frozen in ice. (usually not the case)
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3. Execute the rescue
- We do not recommend picking animals up with your hands even wearing gloves. If an animal is severley injured or immoble, simply place a container (such as a rubbermaid laundry container) over the top of it. Then slide the lid or a thin board underneath, then gently turn the container so the animal ends up in the bottom and then cap it. Make sure there are breathing holes in it.
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4. Treat for mild shock.
- keep the animal WARM (80-85 degrees-90 degrees for neonates)
- keep the animal QUIET
- keep the animal in a DARK container.
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5. Transporting the animal
- DON'T play the radio when transporting an animal.
- DON'T put the animal in the back of a pick-up truck.
- DON'T put an unconscious animal on the seat of your car or leave it uncontained in your car. ALWAYS contain it.
- Use air conditioner sparingly, if at all. Animals in shock cannot regulate their body temperature. It could place them in irreversable shock condition.
- If others are with you, speak in a low voice. Try to keep conversation to a minimum.
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