By Denise Bachmann

1. Found a wild animal – now what?

When people discover a seemingly orphaned or injured wild animal, they often don't know how to react. In many cases, however, intervention is unnecessary, and rash actions can even be harmful to the animal. For example, fawns crouching in the grass are usually waiting for their mother to return and don't yet possess a flight instinct – they don't need help! On the contrary, if people touch a fawn, its mother may reject it because it has absorbed the unfamiliar scent. Therefore, wild animals are often best helped when we humans leave them alone. leave in silence. 

1.1 Basic information about wild animals

In nature, life and death are intertwined. Many young animals die in their first few months of life, and diseases naturally regulate populations. Interfering with these processes is usually unnecessary and can disrupt the natural balance. Wild animals perceive humans as enemies and experience enormous stress when captured. Many of the animals that can be captured are already so weak that recovery is unlikely. In these cases, humane euthanasia by a hunter is often the best solution. Even if injured wild animals, especially young ones, can be taken in and nursed back to health, release back into the wild is often not possible.

1.2 Legal Aspects

Taking wild animals is strictly regulated. Animals protected under hunting or nature conservation laws may only be removed from the wild by authorized persons. Taking animals protected under hunting laws, such as deer, hares, or foxes, without authorization is considered poaching. Injured or sick animals may only be taken by private individuals for care if they can be released back into the wild and expert advice is sought.

1.3 Specific wildlife species

Some young animals, such as fawns and leverets, are often left by their mothers during the day and do not need help. Intervention usually only worsens the situation. Only in cases of injuries caused by mowing should the local game warden be contacted.

1.4 Dogs and wild animals

Dogs should be handled respectfully in nature, especially during breeding and nesting seasons. Allowing dogs with a hunting instinct to run uncontrolled, for example in the forest, can endanger wildlife. If a wild animal is found, the dog should be leashed and kept away to avoid causing the animal additional stress. Most dogs will not harm wild animals. Ultimately, however, our dogs are animals that act on instinct. No one can predict their dog's behavior in situations they have never encountered before.

1.5 Conclusion

It is often best to leave wild animals alone and move away quietly. In genuine emergencies, an expert such as a hunter or a wildlife rescue center should always be contacted to provide the animals with professional help.

When an injured or orphaned wild animal is found, there are clear procedures to help the animal properly without endangering oneself or the animal.

2. Step-by-step instructions for finding a wild animal

2.1 Observation and Assessment

Before intervening, the animal should be observed thoroughly. Not every animal that appears alone needs immediate help. Young animals, such as birds or fawns, often seem abandoned even though their mother is nearby. In such cases, intervention is usually unnecessary. However, action should be taken in cases of obvious injuries or weakness.

2.2 Contacting experts

It is advisable to first contact experts such as wildlife rescue centers, wildlife veterinarians, or animal welfare organizations when dealing with injured animals. These professionals are best able to assess whether the animal needs help and how to proceed. A wildlife rescue center or the local forester are the best contacts in such cases.

2.3 Don't just take wild animals with you

Wild animals should only be taken in cases of absolute emergency, as they often require specialized care. For some species, especially those subject to hunting regulations (e.g., deer, foxes), it is even illegal to take them without permission. Anyone who takes an animal without authorization risks committing a crime. Furthermore, improper care can further weaken or endanger the animal.

2.4 Correct procedure for backup

If the animal is obviously injured or in need of help, it should be carefully secured. It is important to wear gloves and place the animal in a well-ventilated box or container. Small and weak animals, in particular, must be kept warm. Immediate handover to professionals is the best way to ensure appropriate care.

2.5 Home care

If transfer to a wildlife rescue center is not possible, the animal may be temporarily cared for at home until professional help is available. However, no solid food or cow's milk should be given, as this could worsen its condition. Consultation with an expert is always necessary for proper nutrition and care. Furthermore, children and pets should not have contact with the wild animal.

2.6 Conclusion

When dealing with injured wild animals, restraint is crucial. Intervention should only occur if there are clear signs of distress. Professional help is essential in most cases to ensure the animal's well-being and avoid legal problems.

Do not attempt to care for an orphaned or injured wild animal yourself if you are not an expert. Do not take it to the nearest wildlife rescue center without first consulting the relevant authorities. It could be a strictly protected species that must be reported. Many native wild animal species are also subject to hunting regulations. It is considered poaching to put such an animal in your car without the permission of the responsible hunting rights holder. Good intentions are irrelevant in this case. Therefore, if you find a wild animal, report it to the local hunting authority, forester, or hunting leaseholder. If you do not know how to contact them, call the local police station. They can put you in touch with the appropriate person.

Further information can be found at the following links:

You can find more information here on the website of the German Animal Welfare Federation.

https://berlin.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/was-tun-wenn/16406.html

https://sachsen-anhalt.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/naturtipps/26551.html

https://herz-fuer-tiere.de/ratgeber/hilfe-und-notfaelle/wildtier-gefunden-was-kann-ich-tun

https://www.tierschutzbund.de/tiere-themen/wildtiere

3. Wild bird found

In spring and summer, it's not uncommon to come across seemingly helpless fledglings. However, not every bird found needs human help. In many cases, intervention is unnecessary. To determine whether a bird needs help, the following steps should be considered:

3.1 Remain calm and observe

Before intervening, it's important to analyze the situation. Many young birds, especially fledglings, leave the nest before they can fully fly. They are often found on the ground while their parents are nearby and continue to feed them.

Observe the bird from a safe distance for at least 30 minutes. If the parents return during this time, there is no danger.

– branchlingsYoung birds that are fledging and leaving the nest to strengthen their flight muscles. They appear clumsy, but are not necessarily in distress.

– NestlingsVery young birds that have left the nest too early or fallen out. They are often still naked or only sparsely feathered and need help.

3.2 Is the bird injured or in danger?

Sometimes birds are indeed in distress, especially if they are injured or threatened (e.g., by cats). Check the bird for visible injuries and assess its surroundings.

If the bird is indeed injured or in danger (e.g., sitting on a road or threatened by predators), you should carefully pick it up. Use gloves or a cloth to avoid causing the bird unnecessary stress.

3.3 Is a return to the nest possible?

Young nestlings can often be returned to the nest if they have fallen out. The myth that bird parents abandon their young because of human scent is false. Search for the nest and return the bird there if it is accessible. If the nest is destroyed, you can place a temporary nest nearby for the parents to return to.

3.4 Should the bird be taken along?

Not every found bird needs human help! If the bird is healthy and its parents are still caring for it, you shouldn't take it with you. However, there are situations in which the young bird does indeed need help:

– InjuriesObvious wounds, broken wings or legs.

– Emaciated: If the bird appears weak and is no longer being cared for by its parents.

– Threatening environment: If the bird is in a dangerous place and there is no way to safely house it.

If the bird really needs help, prepare a small cardboard box with air holes and soft material (e.g., kitchen paper). Keep the bird warm, but avoid direct sunlight.

3.5 Contact a wild bird rescue center

If a young bird truly needs help, it is advisable to contact a wildlife rescue center or a veterinarian specializing in wildlife medicine. They can provide expert care for the bird and decide whether it requires further treatment or can be released back into the wild.

Research a wildlife rescue center in your area and take the bird there as soon as possible. Be careful not to feed the bird, as the wrong food could harm it.

You can find possible rescue centers for wild birds on the following website:

List of shelters

3.6 What to do until professional help is available?

If you have to wait for professional help, make sure the bird stays warm. Small birds cool down very quickly, especially if they are still nestlings. However, avoid touching or stressing the bird too often.

– No feedingThe diet of wild birds is specialized, and the wrong food can be fatal.

– Keep warmUse a wrapped hot water bottle or a heat lamp (at a sufficient distance) to keep the bird warm.

3.7 What to do if there are baby birds in the garden?

Sometimes you might find baby birds in your own garden. If the garden is safe and there are no immediate dangers from predators, leave the young bird there. In most cases, the parents will continue to care for their offspring. Keep pets such as cats or dogs away from the young birds until they have fledged.

3.8 pigeons

Strictly speaking, pigeons are not wild birds, but rather feral carrier, domestic, and breeding pigeons, as well as their offspring. Therefore, unlike wild birds, city pigeons breed year-round, in accordance with human breeding goals, regardless of food availability. Due to centuries of domestication and the associated proximity to, and dependence on, humans, pigeons are predominantly found in cities, primarily because they largely rely on human care. Consequently, it is unfortunately possible to find an injured city pigeon at any time of year. Here, too, it is important to observe the points mentioned above to give a pigeon the best chance of recovery. Just like wild birds, pigeons can receive professional care from pigeon rescue organizations, such as the Ettlingen City Pigeon Rescue Association (Stadttaubenhilfe Ettlingen e.V.) or Facebook groups that address pigeon emergencies nationwide.

3.9 Summary of the main points

– Stay calm and observe.Many young birds are cared for by their parents, even if they appear helpless.

– check for injuries: You should only touch and take the bird if it is clearly injured or threatened.

– Nestling careIf possible, put the nestling back in the nest.

– Contact expertsIf you are unsure, you should contact a wild bird rescue center or a wildlife veterinarian.

It is important to act responsibly if you find a young bird, in order to give it the best possible chance for a healthy life in nature.

Further information can be found at the following links:

wildvogelhilfe.org

Rescue centers: https://wp.wildvogelhilfe.org/auffangstationen/karte-der-auffangstationen/

https://www.tierschutzbund.de/tiere-themen/wildtiere/jungvoegel

Found a fledgling – what now?

Young bird taken in: Emergency checklist

https://sachsen-anhalt.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/naturtipps/voegeln-helfen/16854.html

4. Hedgehog found

Hedgehogs are beneficial wild animals that we often encounter in gardens and parks. But what should you do if you find a hedgehog that seems to need help? These points should help you assess the hedgehog's well-being and act correctly in an emergency.

4.1 Remain calm and observe the situation

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and should normally rest during the day. A hedgehog wandering around during the day could be a sign that it is sick or in distress. However, not every hedgehog encountered during the day needs immediate help.

– Healthy hedgehogThe hedgehog appears lively, walks steadily, and searches for food. As soon as you approach the hedgehog, it pulls its head in and curls up as a protective instinct.

– People in need HedgehogThe hedgehog appears apathetic, staggers, or lies motionless. It does not curl up when approached.

Observe the hedgehog from a safe distance for a while. If it behaves normally and shows no visible injuries, it probably doesn't need help.

4.2 Is the hedgehog in distress? – Recognizing important signs

To determine whether the hedgehog actually needs help, you should check it for the following signs:

– InjuriesObvious wounds or bleeding are a clear cry for help.

– weaknessA hedgehog that appears apathetic, does not react, or barely moves probably needs help.

– underweightEspecially in autumn, you should pay attention to their weight. Hedgehogs that weigh less than 500 grams before winter are at risk of not surviving hibernation.

If the hedgehog shows any of these signs, you should carefully pick it up with gloves or a cloth and take it to a protected area.

4.3 How to properly pick up a hedgehog

If the hedgehog is obviously sick or injured, it is important to pick it up safely to prevent further harm.

– Prepare the transport box: Use a cardboard box or transport box with air holes and line it with newspaper or a towel.

– Keep warm: Hedgehogs can quickly become hypothermic, especially if they are weak. Use a wrapped hot water bottle or a warm blanket to gently warm the hedgehog.

Keep the hedgehog in a quiet, warm area while you take further steps to help it. Be aware that hedgehogs are very often infested with parasites, which is why there should be as little contact as possible between hedgehogs and people or their pets.

4.4 Contact a hedgehog rescue center or a specialist veterinarian

Once you have rescued the hedgehog, it is important to contact experts as soon as possible. Hedgehogs often require specialized care that can only be provided by wildlife rescue centers or specialized veterinarians.

– Hedgehog stationMany regions have special rescue centers for hedgehogs that can offer professional care.

– VeterinarianVeterinarians specializing in wildlife can also help, especially if the hedgehog is injured or sick.

Research the nearest hedgehog rescue center or wildlife expert and take the hedgehog there.

You can find a hedgehog rescue center near you and expert advice on https://www.pro-igel.de/karte-mit-pflegestellen/ .

Alternatively, you can always contact the Hedgehog hotline (0180 – 55 55 95 51) Call for more information.

4.5 Do not feed the hedgehog – exception in case of dehydration

Generally, a found hedgehog should not be fed before an expert has been consulted. Incorrect food can harm the hedgehog. An exception is if the hedgehog appears severely dehydrated.

– dehydrationIf the hedgehog appears very weak, you can carefully offer it water, but no milk (milk causes digestive problems).

– No cat food: Although it is often recommended to feed hedgehogs cat food, this should only be done in consultation with experts.

Provide the hedgehog with fresh water, but refrain from giving it food until a professional can assess the situation.

4.6 When does a hedgehog need help in summer or autumn?

In summer and autumn, we often find hedgehogs in our gardens or on walks. Young hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable during these months. During the hot summer months, hedgehogs often suffer from water scarcity, and in autumn they prepare for hibernation.

– In summer: If you find a hedgehog in the height of summer that appears weak or visibly dehydrated, water can be lifesaving. During dry periods, place shallow bowls of water in your garden so hedgehogs can drink.

– In autumn: Hedgehogs that are underweight (less than 500 grams) in October or November often don't survive the winter. These hedgehogs need special help. If you find an emaciated young hedgehog in autumn, contact a hedgehog rescue center to arrange for assistance.

4.7 Making the garden hedgehog-friendly

To prevent hedgehogs from getting into trouble in the first place, you can design your garden in such a way that it offers hedgehogs protection and food.

– shelterPiles of leaves, stacks of wood, or special hedgehog houses offer the hedgehog a safe place to retreat.

– Food sources: Gardens rich in insects, with native plants and no pesticides, offer hedgehogs a natural food source.

– Protection from dangers: Avoid open ponds, robotic lawnmowers and unprotected basement shafts, as these can be dangerous traps for hedgehogs.

Create safe havens and natural food sources for hedgehogs to enable them to live safely in your garden.

4.8 Summary: When should you intervene?

– Do not intervene: A healthy hedgehog that moves normally and shows no injuries usually doesn't need help. Young hedgehogs in summer that are actively searching for food are also often healthy.

– Intervention: An injured, weak, or dehydrated hedgehog, especially a young one that doesn't curl up when approached, urgently needs help. Contact a hedgehog rescue center or a wildlife veterinarian.

It is important not to stress the animals unnecessarily and to always seek professional help if there is any uncertainty.

You can obtain expert advice at http://www.pro-igel.de  or by calling the hedgehog hotline (0180 – 55 55 95 51).

5. Squirrel found

Squirrels are curious and agile animals that we often encounter in parks or gardens. But what should you do if you find a seemingly helpless or injured squirrel?

5.1 Observe the situation and assess it correctly

Not every squirrel sitting on the ground or behaving unusually needs immediate help. Young squirrels, in particular, often explore their surroundings and climb clumsily. It's important to assess whether the animal is truly in distress.

– Healthy young animal: A young animal that is actively running around, climbing, and curiously exploring its surroundings is usually not in danger. The parents are often nearby.

– Squirrel in need of helpIf a squirrel exhibits apathetic behavior, sits motionless, or is obviously injured, it likely needs help. Directly approaching people and climbing can also be a sign that a young squirrel is in distress.

Observe the squirrel from a safe distance for a while. If the animal is agile and behaving normally, it usually doesn't need any assistance.

5.2 Recognizing signs of a squirrel in need of help

Certain signs indicate that a squirrel is indeed in distress and needs human help. Young squirrels are particularly vulnerable during their first few months of life.

– Young animalsIf a young animal is lying on the ground, walking restlessly around, or approaching people and even climbing on them, it could be separated from its mother.

– InjuriesObvious injuries, such as bleeding wounds, broken limbs, or extreme weakness, are signs that the squirrel needs immediate help.

– Apathetic behavior: A squirrel that appears weak, barely moves, or can be approached without reaction, may be sick or malnourished.

Make sure the animal is not just temporarily clumsy, but truly in distress. An injured or very weak animal should be taken in.

5.3 When should one intervene?

– Do not intervene: An active, healthy-looking squirrel that runs curiously and agilely through the garden or park does not need help.

– Intervention: A young animal that approaches humans, lies on the ground or appears motionless, as well as an injured or apathetic squirrel, urgently needs help.

5.4 How to properly secure the squirrel

If the squirrel obviously needs help, it is important to carefully secure it.

– Prepare the transport box: Use a cardboard box or a small cage lined with a towel to give the animal support. Make sure the box has air holes.

– Keep warm: Young or weakened squirrels especially need warmth. Place a wrapped hot water bottle or a warm cloth in the box to stabilize the animal.

Carefully catch the squirrel with a towel or by gently grasping it to place it in the box. Wear gloves to protect yourself from possible scratches and parasites.

5.5 Contact a squirrel rescue center

Once the squirrel is safely contained, you should immediately contact a wildlife rescue center or a specialized squirrel rescue organization. Squirrels often need expert care to fully recover.

– Squirrel aidIn Germany, there are specialized organizations that care for injured or orphaned squirrels. You can take the animal to one of them or request advice by phone.

You can find a rescue center near you, for example, at https://www.xn--eichhrnchen-in-not-h3b.de/. Alternatively, you can use the [service/option] daily from March to September. Squirrel emergency hotline: 0700 200 200 12 Call for further information and instructions. Also at the Emergency number +49 176 55 37 68 64 The Eichhörnchen Schutz eV (Squirrel Protection Association) offers 24/7 telephone support and can locate a wildlife rescue center near you.

– Wildlife veterinarianA veterinarian with experience in treating wild animals can also provide an initial assessment and treat acute injuries.

5.6 What to do until professional help arrives?

If you cannot reach a wildlife rescue center immediately, there are some things you can do for the squirrel temporarily.

– Keep warmWarmth is especially important for young and weakened animals. A hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) or a warm blanket can be lifesaving.

– No milk or solid foodNever feed the animal cow's milk or solid food. Young squirrels need special formula, which should only be given under the advice of experts.

Make sure the animal stays calm and warm until you receive further instructions from a professional.

5.7 What to do if a squirrel lives in the garden?

Squirrels that live in your garden don't necessarily need help. If you have squirrels in your garden, you can take appropriate measures to make them feel safe and comfortable.

– Avoid dangersMake sure to cover open water basins and do not have nets or traps in the garden in which squirrels could get caught.

– provide shelterSquirrels often nest in trees or in special nesting boxes. A natural garden with old trees or hedges offers them protection.

– Provide food: Especially in autumn and winter, you can support squirrels with nuts (unsalted, unroasted), sunflower seeds, or fruit. Make sure the food is offered in suitable feeding boxes that are not easily accessible to predators such as cats.

5.8 Summary of the main points:

– ObserveCheck whether the squirrel is truly in distress by observing it closely.

– AssessInjuries, extreme weakness, or the absence of the mother are clear signs of a need for help.

– Secure: Carefully catch the animal, keep it warm and place it in a secure box.

– Contact expertsTake the animal to a squirrel rescue center or wildlife expert as soon as possible.

By taking the right approach, you can give a squirrel in need the best possible chance of recovery and a possible return to nature.

The following websites offer further information:

Action Squirrels eV: https://www.xn--eichhrnchen-in-not-h3b.de/

Squirrel Emergency Hotline eV: https://www.eichhoernchen-notruf.com/

Squirrel Protection Association: https://eichhoernchen-schutz.de/

6. Bat found

Bats are fascinating but often misunderstood animals. If you find a bat that needs help, you can act correctly by following these steps.

6.1 Assess the situation

Not every bat seen during the day needs immediate help. Bats can, for example, get lost in unfamiliar places.

– Healthy animal: If the bat is hanging normally or trying to fly away, it usually doesn't need help.

– Bat in need of help: If the bat is lying on the ground, injured or apathetic, it needs human assistance.

Observe the bat briefly from a distance. If it appears injured or weakened, you should intervene.

6.2 Secure and keep the bat warm

If the animal appears to need help, you should carefully pick it up and protect it from the cold.

– Wear gloves: Bats can bite, so it's important to wear gloves. Thick gloves, like those used for gardening, are best suited for this purpose.

– Transport boxPlace the bat in a small cardboard box with air holes, lined with a soft cloth. Keep the animal warm, for example with a heated blanket.

Carefully catch the animal and secure it in a suitable box.

6.3 When does a bat need help?

– No help neededA bat that is hanging securely or actively flying away is usually not in distress.

– Help needed: A bat lying on the ground, injured or apathetic, urgently needs help.

6.4 Contacting experts

Bats usually require special care. Therefore, contact a bat rescue organization or a wildlife expert immediately for further instructions.

– Bat help: There are specialized rescue centers that care for injured or weakened bats.

– Wildlife veterinarianA veterinarian with experience in dealing with wild animals can also help the bat.

Under 030 284984 5000 Do you reach the Bat telephone of NABU Germany.

You can also find further information at https://schleswig-holstein.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/saeugetiere/fledermaeuse/organisation/05250.html and https://www.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/saeugetiere/fledermaeuse/18829.html

6.5 Summary:

– ObserveCheck if the bat is injured or weakened.

– SecureCarefully catch the animal using gloves and place it in a secure box.

– Contact wildlife experts: Contact a bat rescue center or an expert immediately.

7. What should you do if you find larger wild animals such as foxes or deer?

Caution is advised when encountering a larger wild animal such as a fox or deer. These animals may be injured, sick, or in distress, but it is important to correctly assess their behavior and act responsibly.

7.1 Observe the situation and assess it correctly

Not every wild animal you see needs help. Young animals, in particular, often appear abandoned, even though their parents are nearby.

– Healthy animalA fox or deer that stands still, walks normally, or retreats quickly does not need help. Avoid taking away seemingly abandoned young animals.

– People in need animalAn injured animal (e.g., with visible wounds) or one that is lying motionless or appears weak needs assistance.

Observe the animal from a safe distance. Only approach if it is clear that the animal truly needs help.

7.2 Maintain a safe distance

Wild animals can panic and become dangerous. Injured animals often react unpredictably and could further injure people or themselves.

– Don't touchAlways maintain sufficient distance. Only intervene if the situation is absolutely safe.

– Do not bring: Special care must be taken with wild animals that are subject to hunting regulations (e.g., hares, deer, foxes). These animals may not be taken without the permission of a person authorized to hunt. Taking such an animal without authorization can be classified as poaching and is a criminal offense.

– Secure animalInjured animals should only be secured with the help of experts (e.g., animal welfare organizations or hunters). An injured deer or fox should not be moved without expert knowledge.

Keep your distance and call for professional help before touching the animal.

7.3 Informing experts

Since wild animals such as foxes or deer require specialized care, you should contact professionals who have experience in caring for such animals.

– Wildlife rescueContact local wildlife rescue centers, the fire department, or the forest ranger. These organizations know the best way to deal with larger wild animals.

– Wildlife veterinarian or hunter: In some cases, a veterinarian experienced with wildlife or a local hunter can also help.

Inform the relevant authorities, provide the location where the item was found, and follow their instructions. If it is unclear who is responsible for the area, contact the local police station. They can put you in touch with the appropriate authority.

7.4 Summary:

– ObserveObserve the animal's behavior without approaching it.

– safety distanceKeep your distance, do not touch the animal.

– Contact a specialistContact wildlife rescue centers, foresters, or hunters for professional help. To find the responsible forester, for example, please contact the local police station.

By following this procedure, you protect both yourself and the animal and help ensure that it quickly receives the necessary help, if it needs it at all.

8. Legal aspects of finding wild animals

When a wild animal is found in Germany, there are important legal regulations that must be observed. These regulations relate in particular to the protected status of animals, hunting laws, and the requirements for the care of injured animals.

8.1 Strictly protected animal species

Many native wild animals are strictly protected under Section 7, Paragraph 2, Numbers 7 and 14 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). This includes rare species listed as strictly protected animals in the database. https://www.wisia.de/FsetWisia1.de.html These animals are registered. As a rule, these animals may not be captured or taken without official permission. This applies, among others, to many bird species, bats, and reptiles.

8.2 Care of injured animals

Injured or sick animals such as hedgehogs, squirrels, or birds may be temporarily cared for at home under certain conditions. It is important to seek advice from a wildlife rescue center beforehand, as their care is often very demanding. As soon as the animal is healthy again, it must be released back into the wild immediately.

8.3 Hunting Law

Special care must be taken with wild animals that are subject to hunting regulations (e.g., hares, deer, foxes). These animals may not be taken without the permission of a person authorized to hunt. Taking such an animal without authorization can be classified as poaching and is a criminal offense.

8.4 Conclusion

Handling wild animals is subject to strict legal regulations. Especially with strictly protected species and game animals, you should not take them without permission. Instead, you should always seek expert help from wildlife rescue centers or authorized hunters.

FAQs about wild animals

🦔🐿️ Found a wild animal – what now? A comprehensive summary with veterinary advice.

In Germany, especially during spring, summer, and autumn, it's not uncommon for walkers or gardeners to encounter seemingly orphaned or injured wild animals. However, not every animal that appears alone or behaves strangely actually needs help. Often, caution is advised – and in case of doubt, contacting experts such as wildlife rescue centers or wildlife rehabilitation centers is recommended. veterinary professionals, indispensable.

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🟢 Basic procedures to follow when encountering wild animals

Most wild animals – especially young ones – possess strategies that often seem misleading to us humans. Fawns, leverets, or fledglings are often deliberately left by their parents and thus appear abandoned, even though the parents are nearby. In such cases, the animal is not in need of help and may not touched or taken away become.

In these cases, ill-advised intervention can cause the animal great stress and worsen the situation. Especially with fawns, there is even a risk that the mother will reject the animal if it smells unfamiliar due to human contact.

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⚠️ When should one intervene – and how?

Intervention is only appropriate if the animal:

• visibly injured is (e.g. bleeding, lameness, open wounds),
• significantly weakened or apathetic works,
• is in acute danger (e.g., on a road or threatened by predators).

In such cases, the animal should be carefully secured (with gloves) and placed in a ventilated box with a soft base will be. It is also important to the animal. to keep warm, because small animals in particular cool down quickly.

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👨‍⚕️ Essential: Consultation with wildlife veterinarians

Even if bringing an animal were allowed (e.g., a hedgehog or squirrel), one should never without prior consultation with a wildlife rescue center or a specialized veterinarian Care is required. Wild animals have very specific needs, such as regarding nutrition, rest periods, temperature regulation, and medication.

An improperly fed young animal (e.g., with cow's milk or bread) can die within a few hours. The initial assessment by veterinary professionals, Ideally, someone with experience handling wildlife is therefore indispensable.

🩺 It is particularly recommended to contact a/an directly Veterinarian with Specialization in wildlife or exotic medicine to turn to – many of these practices work closely with wildlife rescue centers and can ensure rapid care.

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🦉 Specific instructions for individual animal species

Young birds: Fledglings should not be taken in if their parents are nearby. Only nestlings that have fallen from the nest too early or injured animals need help. Consultation with a wildlife rescue center or a veterinarian specializing in wildlife is necessary.

Hedgehog: Hedgehogs that are active during the day are often sick. Weak, underweight, or injured hedgehogs need support – contacting a hedgehog rescue center or a veterinarian can help. Never feed a hedgehog without consulting a veterinarian!

Squirrel: If a young animal approaches people or even climbs on them, this is a clear sign of distress. Professional help should be contacted immediately.

Bats: Bats must only be handled with gloves, as they can bite. They are strictly protected and require specialized care. Veterinarians or NABU experts can provide further assistance.

Larger wild animals (e.g. deer, fox): In case of injury or obvious emergency, only professionals – especially hunters, foresters, or veterinarians – should be consulted. Never act on your own!

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⚖️ Don't forget the legal aspects.

Taking protected or game animals without authorization is forbidden and can be prosecuted as poaching. Only veterinarians, wildlife rescue centers, or licensed private individuals are permitted to care for such animals. Anyone taking an animal must commit to releasing it once it has recovered – keeping it permanently is not allowed.

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📞 Key contacts at a glance

• Wildlife rescue centers: Depending on the region, they can be found by phone or online.
• Wildlife veterinarians: List of regional veterinary practices with specializations, e.g., via veterinary associations or wildlife rescue organizations.
• NABU Wildlife Hotline: 030 284984 5000
• Hedgehog hotline: 0180 – 55 55 95 51
• Squirrel emergency hotline: 0700 – 200 200 12 or +49 176 – 55 37 68 64

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✅ Conclusion

Anyone who finds a wild animal should act with respect, restraint, and a sense of responsibility. In the vast majority of cases, Professional help from wildlife veterinarians and rescue centers is essential., in order to do justice to the animal – and also to remain on the safe side legally.

🌿 Please never act out of mere helpfulness, but always consult with experts. The animal will thank you.