From Denise Bachmann

1. Found wildlife - and now?

When people discover a supposedly orphaned or injured wild animal, they often don't know how to act. In many cases, however, intervention is not necessary, and careless action can even be harmful to the animal. An example: fawns that crouch in the grass usually wait for your mother's return and do not yet have a escape instinct - you do not need help! On the contrary: if people take a fawn, his mother may violate it because it has accepted the foreign smell. Therefore, wild animals are often the most helped when we humans leave them alone. 

1.1 Fundamentals to wild animals

In nature, life and dying belong together. Many young animals die in the first months of life, and diseases regulate populations in a natural way. Interference in these processes is usually unnecessary and can disturb the natural balance. Wild animals see people as enemies and feel enormous stress when capturing. Many of the animals that can be captured are already so weak that recovery is unlikely. In these cases, professional salvation by a hunter is often the best solution. If injured wild animals, especially young animals, can be taken up and healthy again, no renewed release is possible in many cases.

1.2 Legal aspects

Taking wild animals with you is strictly regulated. Animals that fall under hunting or nature conservation law may only be taken from nature by authorized people. Taking animals with them that fall under the right to hunting, such as deer, rabbits or foxes, is considered poaching. Injured or sick animals may only be taken for care by private individuals if they can be released into nature and professional advice is consulted.

1.3 specific species of wild animals

Some young animals, such as fawns and young rabbits, are often stored by their mothers during the day and do not need help. Interference usually only worsens the situation. The local hunter should only be contacted in the event of injuries due to mowing work.

1.4 dogs and wild animals

Dogs should be carefully managed in nature, especially in breeding and setting times. The uncontrolled running of dogs with hunting instinct, for example in the forest, can endanger wild animals. When discovering a wild animal, the dog should be leased and kept away to avoid additional stress for the animal. Most dogs will not harm wild animals. Ultimately, our dogs are still animals that act according to their instincts. Nobody can predict his dog's actions in situations that he has never experienced before.

1.5 Conclusion

It is often better to leave wild animals alone and to move out quietly. In real emergencies, an expert such as a hunter or a wildlife station should always be contacted in order to offer the animals professional help.

When finding an injured or orphaned wild animal, there are clear procedures to help the animal correctly without endangering yourself or the animal.

2nd step-by-step instructions when finding a wild animal

2.1 Observation and assessment

Before you intervene, the animal should be observed thoroughly. Not every animal that works alone needs help immediately. Young animals such as birds or fawns in particular often seem to leave, although the mother is nearby. In such cases, intervention is usually not necessary. In the event of obvious injuries or weakness, however, it should be traded.

2.2 Contact with experts

It is advisable to contact experts such as wildlife stations, wild veterinarians or animal welfare organizations for injured animals. The best way to assess these specialists is whether the animal needs help and how to proceed. In such cases, a wildlife station or the local forester are the best contacts.

2.3 Don't just take wild animals with you

Wild animals should only be taken in absolute emergencies because they often need special care. In some types, especially for those that fall under the right to hunting (e.g. roe deer, foxes), it is even legally prohibited to take them with you without permission. If you take an animal with you, you risk making yourself punishable. In addition, false care can further weaken or endanger the animal.

2.4 Correct procedure for securing

If the animal is obviously injured or in need of help, it should be carefully secured. It is important to wear gloves and put the animal in a well -ventilated box or a container. Small and weakened animals must be kept warm. An immediate handover to experts is the best way to ensure species -appropriate care.

2.5 Care at home

If a handover to a wildlife station is not possible, the animal may be temporarily supplied at home until professional help is available. However, no solid foods or cow's milk should be given, as this could deteriorate the condition. Consideration with an expert is always necessary for the right nutrition and care. In addition, children and pets should not have contact with the wild animal.

2.6 Conclusion

Reflection is important when dealing with injured wild animals. Only with clear signs of need should be intervened. In most cases, professional help is indispensable to ensure the well -being of the animal and avoid legal problems.

Do not provide a orphaned or injured wild animal as a layperson. Do not take it without consultation with the next sanctuary. It could be a strictly protected wild animal species that is notified. Many domestic wild animals are also subject to hunting law. It is considered poaching if you load such an animal into the car without the consent of the person entitled to hunting. A good intention plays a subordinate role. Therefore, report it to the hunting authority, the forester or the tenant on site if you find a wild animal. If you do not know how to reach them, call the local police station. She can convey this to the person responsible.

Further information can be found under the following links:

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

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-fuertiere.de/ratberger/hilfe-und-notfaelle/wildtier-funden-was-kann-ich-tun

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

3. Found wild bird

In spring and summer it is not unusual to come across apparently helpless young birds. But not every bird found needs human help. In many cases, intervention is not necessary. To find out whether a bird needs help, the following steps should be observed:

3.1 Keep calm and observe

Before you intervene, it is important to analyze the situation. Many young birds, especially branches, leave the nest before they can fly completely. They can often be found on the floor while their parents are nearby and continue to feed them.

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

- Estlings : young birds who become fledged and leave the nest to strengthen their flight muscles. They look awkward, but are not necessarily in need.

- Nestlings : Very young birds who left the nest too early or have 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 actually in an emergency, 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 actually injured or in danger (e.g. sitting on a street or threatening predators), you should carefully absorb it. Use gloves or a cloth to expose the bird to not unnecessary stress.

3.3 Return to the nest?

Young nestlings can often be put back in the nest when they have fallen out. The myth that bird parents violate their boys due to human smell is wrong. Search for the nest and put the bird back there when it is accessible to you. If the nest has been destroyed, you can attach a provisional nest nearby to return to which the parents can return.

3.4 Should the bird be taken?

Not every bird found needs human help! If the bird is healthy and the parents continue to take care of it, you shouldn't take it with you. However, there are situations in which the young bird actually needs help:

- injuries : obvious wounds, broken wings or legs.

- Exposed : If the bird looks weak and is no longer supplied by the parents.

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

If the bird really needs help, prepare a small 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 station

If a young bird actually needs help, it is advisable to contact a wild bird sanctuary or a wild veterinarian. You can provide the bird professionally and decide whether it can be treated or released again.

Research for a wild bird aid near you and bring the bird there as soon as possible. Make sure not to feed the bird because wrong food could harm him.

You can find possible starting stations for wild birds via the following website:

3.6 What to do until professional help is available?

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

- No feeding : the diet of wild birds specializes and false food can be fatal.

- keep warm : Use a wrapped hot water bottle or a heat lamp (with a sufficient distance) to keep the bird warm.

3.7 What to do with bird chicks in the garden?

Sometimes they find bird chicks in their own garden. If the garden is safe and there are no direct dangers from predators, leave the young animal there. In most cases, parents will continue to take care of the offspring. Keep pets like cats or dogs away from the young birds until they have become fledged.

3.8 Pigeons

Strictly speaking, pigeons are not wild birds, but overgrown letter, house and breeding pigeons as well as their offspring. Therefore, in contrast to wild birds, city pigeons breed the human breeding goal all year round, regardless of the food supply. Due to the centuries -long domestication and the associated proximity to humans, but also the dependence on him, pigeons can be found mostly in cities, especially since they are largely dependent on the supply of humans. Therefore, it can unfortunately occur in every season that you can find an injured city pigeon. Here, too, it is important to consider the points mentioned above in order to give a pigeon the best chance of recovery. For pigeons, as for wild birds-there are professional care for pigeon aids, for example the city pigeon aid Ettlingen eV or Facebook groups that address pigeon emergencies nationwide.

3.9 Summary of the most important points

- Keep calm and observe : Many young birds are cared for by their parents, even if they seem to seem helpless.

- Check for injuries: You should only touch and take the bird with you in the event of clear injuries or threats.

- Nestling aid : If possible, put the nestling back into the nest.

- Contact experts : If you are uncertainty, you should visit a wild bird station or a wild veterinarian.

It is important to act responsibly when you find a young bird to give him the best possible chance of a healthy life in nature.

For more information, see the following links:

wildvogelhilfe.org

Subsidiary stations: https://wp.wildvogelhilfe.org/auffangstations/karten-der-uffangstation/

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

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

4. Hedgehog found

Hedgehogs are useful wild animals that we encounter in gardens and parks particularly often. But what to do if you find a hedgehog that seems to need help? You should consider these points in order to assess the welfare of the hedgehog and act properly in an emergency.

4.1 keep calm and observe the situation

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, and should usually rest during the day. A hedgehog that runs around during the day could be a sign that he is sick or in need. But not every hedgehog that you meet during the day needs help immediately.

- Healthy hedgehog : The hedgehog looks cheerful, runs evenly and is looking for food. As soon as you approach the hedgehog, it pulls in his head and rolls up due to the protection instinct.

- Hedgehogs in need : The hedgehog appears apathetic, staggered or is motionless. The hedgehog does not bend when you approach it.

Watch the hedgehog from a safe distance. If he behaves normally and has no visible injuries, he probably does not need any help.

4.2 Is the hedgehog in need? - Recognize important signs

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

- injuries : Obvious wounds or bleeding areas are a clear cry for help.

- Weakness : A hedgehog that looks apathetic, does not react or hardly moves, probably needs help.

- Underweight : Especially in autumn you should pay attention to the weight. Hedgehogs that weigh less than 500 grams before winter are in danger of not surviving hibernation.

If the hedgehog shows one of these signs, you should carefully absorb it with gloves or cloth and bring it into a protected area.

4.3 Record the hedgehog

If the hedgehog is obviously sick or injured, it is important to take it safely to save him further damage.

- Prepare the transport box: Use a box or a transport box with air holes and place it with newspaper or a towel.

- keep warm: hedgehogs can quickly cool, especially if they are weakened. Use a wrapped hot water bottle or a warm blanket to carefully warm the hedgehog.

Keep the hedgehog in a quiet, warm area while taking further steps to help. Note that hedgehogs are very often populated with parasites, which is why there should be so few contact options between hedgehogs and people and their pets.

4.4 Contact to a hedgehog station or a specialist veterinarian

As soon as you have secured the hedgehog, it is important to contact specialists as soon as possible. Hedgehogs often need specialized care, which can only be guaranteed by wildlife stations or specialized veterinarians.

- Hedgehog station : Many regions have special catching stations for hedgehogs that can offer professional care.

- Veterinarian : Veterinarians specializing in wild animals can also help, especially if the hedgehog is injured or sick.

Research for the nearest hedgehog station or a wild animal expert and bring the hedgehog there.

A hedgehog station near you and specialist advice can be found at https://www.pro-igel.de/karten-mit-pflegestellen/ .

Alternatively, you can call the hedgehog hotline (0180-55 55 95 51) to get more information.

4.5 Do not feed the hedgehog - exception in the event of lack of liquid

In general, a hedgehog found should not be fed before an expert is switched on. False food can harm the hedgehog. There is an exception if the hedgehog appears greatly dehydrated.

- Lack of fluid : If the hedgehog appears to be weakly weakened, you can carefully offer it water, but no milk (milk causes digestive problems).

- No cat food: Even if it is often recommended to feed hedgehogs with cat food, this should only happen in consultation with experts.

Provide fresh water to the hedgehog, but do without food until a specialist 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 digits are particularly at risk in these months. During the hot summer months, hedgehogs often suffer from water shortages, and in autumn they prepare for hibernation.

- In summer: If you find a hedgehog in midsummer that looks weak or visibly dehydrated, water can be life -saving. Place flat water bowls in the garden in dry periods so that the hedgehogs can drink.

- In autumn: hedgehogs that do not have enough weight in October or November (under 500 grams), often do not make it through the winter. Such hedgehogs need special help. If you find a emaciated boy in autumn, contact a hedgehog station to take help if necessary.

4.7 Model for hedgehog -friendly

So that hedgehogs do not get in need at all, you can design your garden so that it offers protection and food to the hinges.

- Hallpaper : leafsticks, stacks of wood or special hedgehog houses offer the hedgehog a safe retreat.

- Food sources : Insect gardens with domestic plants and no pesticides offer hinges a natural source of food.

- Protection against dangers: Avoid open ponds, robotic lawnmowers and unprotected cellar shafts, as these dangerous traps can be for hedgehogs.

Create safe retreats and natural food sources for hedgehogs to enable you to live a safe life in your garden.

4.8 Summary: When should you intervene?

- Do not intervene: a healthy hedgehog that moves normally and shows no injuries usually does not need help. Young bigs in summer who are actively looking for food are often healthy.

- intervention: an injured, weak or dehydrated hedgehog, especially young animals, who do not roll up when approaching, urgently need help. Contact a hedgehog station or a wild veterinarian.

It is important not to stress the animals unnecessarily and always use professional help in the event of uncertainties.

You can get professional advice at http://www.pro-igel.de or by calling the IGEL-HOTLINE (0180-55 5 95 51).

5. Squirrel found

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

5.1 Watch the situation and assess correctly

Not every squirrel that sits on the floor or behaves unusual needs help immediately. Young squirrels in particular often explore their surroundings and climb awkward. It is important to assess whether the animal is actually in need.

- Healthy young animal: A young animal who is actively walking around, climbs and curiously exploring his surroundings is usually not in danger. The parents are often nearby.

- In need of help squirrel : shows the squirrel apathetic behavior, if it sits motionless or is obviously injured, you probably need help. Also directly climbing to people and climbing can be a sign that a young animal is in need.

Watch the squirrel for a while from a safe distance. If the animal is agile and behaves normally, it usually does not need support.

5.2 Recognize signs of a needy squirrel

Certain signs indicate that a squirrel is actually in need and needs human help. Young squirrels in particular are at risk in the first months of life.

- Young animals : If a young animal lies on the floor, runs around restlessly or approaches people and even climbs up on them, it could be separated from his mother.

- Injuries : Obvious injuries such as bleeding wounds, broken limbs or extreme weakness are signs that the squirrel needs immediate help.

- Apathetic behavior: an squirrel that looks weak, hardly moves or which you can approach without reaction is possibly sick or malnourished.

Make sure that the animal is not only temporarily awkward, but really in need. An injured or very weak animal should be absorbed.

5.3 When should you intervene?

- Do not intervene: an active, healthy squirrel that runs curiously and agile through the garden or park does not require help.

- intervention: a young animal who approaches people, lies on the floor or appear motionless, as well as an injured or apathetic squirrel urgently need help.

5.4 Secure the squirrel correctly

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 that is laid out with a towel to keep the animal. Make sure that the box has air holes.

- keep warm: particularly young or weakened squirrels 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 grabbing to put it in the box. Wear gloves to protect yourself from possible scratches and parasites.

5.5 Contact to a squirrel aid station

As soon as the squirrel is secured, you should immediately contact a wildlife station or a specialized squirrel aid. Squirrels often need expert care to get completely healthy again.

- Echhörnchenhilfe : In Germany there are specialized organizations that take care of injured or orphaned squirrels. You can bring the animal there or ask for telephone advice.

You can find a reception center near you at https://www.xn-ichhrnchen-in-not-h3b.de/ . squirrel emergency call on 0700 200 12 from March to September to get further information and instructions. Also on the emergency number +49 176 55 37 68 64 of the squirrel protection eV you get help around the clock and a wildlife sanctuary near you can be found.

- Wild veterinarian : A veterinarian who has experience with wild animals can also give an initial assessment and treat acute injuries.

5.6 What to do until professional help arrives?

If you do not reach a wildlife station immediately, there are some things that you can temporarily do for the squirrel.

- keep warm : warmth is particularly important for young and weakened animals. A hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) or a warm blanket can be life -saving.

- No milk or solid food : Under no circumstances feed the animal with cow's milk or solid foods. Young squirrels need special rearing milk that should only be given in coordination with experts.

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

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

Squirrels that are in the garden do not necessarily need help. If you have squirrels in your garden, you can use suitable measures to help you feel safe and comfortable.

- Avoid dangers : Make sure to cover open water basin and have no nets or traps in the garden where squirrels could get caught.

- Bidding shelter : Squirrels often nest in trees or in special nesting boxes. A natural garden with old trees or hedges offers you protection.

- Provide food: Especially in autumn and winter you can support squirrels with nuts (unsalted, unobtrined), sunflower seeds or fruit. Make sure that the feed is offered in suitable feed boxes that are not easily accessible by predators like cats.

5.8 Summary of the most important points:

- Observe : Check whether the squirrel is really in need by closely observing it.

- assess : injuries, extreme weakness or the lack of the mother are clear signs of auxiliary needs.

- Secure : caught the animal carefully, keep it warm and put it in a secure box.

- Contact experts : Bring the animal to an squirrel station or a wildlife expert as quickly as possible.

With the right procedure, you can enable a needy squirrel the best possible chance of recovery and a possible return to nature.

The following websites offer further information:

Aktion Eichhörnchen EV: https://www.xn-eichhrnchen-in-not-h3b.de/

Eichhörnchen-notruf eV: https://www.eichhoernchenchen-notruf.com/

Eichhörnchen-Schutz EV: https://eichhoernchen-chutz.de/

6. Bat found

Bats are fascinating, but often misunderstood animals. If you find a bat that needs help, you can act properly if you follow the following steps.

6.1 assess situation

Not every bat that is visible during the day needs help immediately. For example, bats can get lost in unusual places.

- Healthy animal: If the bat hangs normally or tries to fly away, it usually does not need help.

- Fat in need of help: If the bat lies on the floor, is injured or apathetic, it needs human support.

Watch the bat briefly from a distance. If she is injured or weakened, you should intervene.

6.2 Secure the bat and keep warm

If the animal appears in need of help, you should carefully absorb it and protect it from the cold.

- Wearing gloves: bats can bite, so it is important to wear gloves. Thick gloves that are used for garden work, for example, are best suited for this.

- Transport box : Put the bat in a small box with air holes, which is designed with a soft cloth. Keep the animal warm, for example through a warmed ceiling.

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

6.3 When does a bat need help?

- No help necessary : ​​a bat that hangs safely or is actively flying away is usually not in need.

- Help needs: An injured or apathetic bat is urgently needed.

6.4 Contact experts

Bats usually need special care. Therefore, contact a bat organization or a wildlife expert immediately to receive further instructions.

- Bat aid: There are specialized catch stations that take care of injured or weakened bats.

- Wild veterinarian : A veterinarian with experience in dealing with wild animals can also help the bat.

On 030 284984 5000 you can reach the bat phone of NABU Germany.

Further information can also be found at https://schleswig-holstein.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/saeuGetiere/federmaeuse/organization/05250.html and https://www.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/saeugetiere/bledermaeuse/18829.html

6.5 Summary:

- Observe : Check whether the bat is injured or weakened.

- Secure : Gently capture the animal with gloves and put it in a safe box.

- Contact wildlife experts : immediately contact a bat aid station or an expert.

7. What to do if you find larger wild animals like fox or deer?

Caution should be exercised when discovering a larger wild animal such as a fox or deer. These animals can be injured, sick or in need, but it is important to correctly assess their behavior and act responsibly.

7.1 Watch the situation and assess correctly

Not every wild animal you see needs help. Young animals in particular often seem abandoned, although the parent animals are nearby.

- Healthy animal : a fox or deer that is quiet, runs normally or withdraws quickly, does not need help. Avoid taking supposedly abandoned young animals.

- Health -in animal : an injured animal (e.g. with visible wounds) or one that is motionless or weak, requires support.

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

7.2 Provide safety distance

Wild animals can panic and become dangerous. Injured animals often react unpredictable and could continue to hurt people or themselves.

- Don't touch : Always keep enough distance. Only intervene if the situation is absolutely safe.

- Do not take away: For wild animals that are subject to hunting law (e.g. field hares, deer, foxes), special caution is required. These animals must not be taken away without the consent of a person entitled to hunting. A self -empowering of such an animal can be classified as poaching and is punishable.

- Secure animal : injured 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 specialist knowledge.

Keep the distance and alert professional help before touching the animal.

7.3 Communicate experts

Since wild animals such as foxes or deer require specialized care, you should contact experts who have experience with the care of such animals.

- Wildlife rescue : Contact local wildlife stations, the fire brigade or the forester. These places know how to best deal with larger wild animals.

- Wild veterinarian or hunter: In some cases, a wildlife-experienced veterinarian or a local hunter can also help.

Inform the responsible bodies, state the site and follow their instructions. If it is not clear who is responsible for the affected area, contact the local police station. This can establish contact with the responsible body.

7.4 Summary:

- Observe : Pay attention to the behavior of the animal without approaching.

- Safety distance : keep your distance, do not touch the animal.

- Communicate specialist help : Contact wildlife stations, forester or hunter for professional help. For example, to find the responsible forester, please contact the local police station.

With this procedure, you both protect yourself and the animal and contribute to the fact that it quickly gets the necessary help if it needs it at all.

8. Legal aspects in the discovery of wild animals

When finding a wild animal in Germany, there are important legal regulations that must be observed. These regulations only concern the protection status of animals, hunting law and the requirements for the care of injured animals.

8.1 Strictly protected animal species

Many domestic wild animals are under strict protection in accordance with §7 Paragraph 2 No. 7 and No. 14 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNATSCHG). This includes rare species that are entered https://www.wisia.de/fsetwisia1.de.html As a rule, these animals must not be caught or taken away without official approval. Among other things, this affects many bird species, bats and reptiles.

8.2 Care of injured animals

Injured or sick animals such as hedgehogs, squirrels or birds may be cared for at home under certain conditions. It is important that you get advice from a wildlife station in advance, since care is often very demanding. As soon as the animal is healthy again, it must be released into nature immediately.

8.3 hunting law

For wild animals that are subject to hunting law (e.g. field hares, deer, foxes), special caution is required. These animals must not be taken away without the consent of a person entitled to hunting. A self -empowering of such an animal can be classified as poaching and is punishable.

8.4 Conclusion

Dealing with wild animals is subject to strict legal requirements. Especially in strictly protected species and hunting animals, you should not take the animals with you. Instead, you should always obtain expert help from wildlife stations or those responsible for hunting.

FAQs to wild animals

🦔🐿️ Found wildlife - and now? A comprehensive summary with veterinary indication

In Germany, especially in spring, summer and autumn, it can always happen that walkers or garden owners come across apparently orphaned or injured wild animals. But not every animal that only works or behaves conspicuously needs help. Rather, reluctance is often required - and in case of doubt, contact with experts, such as wildlife stations or veterinary specialists , is essential.

🟢 Basic behavior in wildlife finds

Most wild animals - especially young animals - have strategies that often seem misleading to us. The fawns, young rabbits or young birds are often deliberately stored by their parents and are therefore abandoned, even though the parent animals are nearby. In such cases, the animal is not in need of help and must not be touched or taken away .

In these cases, a careless intervention can lead to great stress in the animal and worsen the situation. Especially with fawns there is even the risk that the mother will violate the animal if it smells strangers through human contact.

⚠️ When should you intervene - and how?

Interfection is only appropriate if the animal:

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

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

👨‍⚕️ Indispensable: consultation with wild veterinarians

Even if it were allowed to take an animal with us (e.g. hedgehogs or squirrels), you should take care without prior consultation with a wildlife station or a specialized veterinarian Wild animals have very special needs, such as nutrition, rest phases, heat regulation and medication.

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

🩺 It is particularly recommended to contact a veterinarian with specialization in wildlife or exotic medicine - many of these practices work closely with wildlife stations and can ensure a quick supply.

🦉 Special information for individual animal species

Young birds: branches should not be accepted if the parents are nearby. Only nestlings who fell out of the nest too early, or injured animals need help. Consultation with a wild bird station or wildlife -owned veterinarian required.

Hedgehog: active hedgehogs are often sick during the day. Weak, underweight or injured hedgehogs need support - contact with a hedgehog station or a veterinarian also helps here. Do not give food without advice!

Squirrels: When a young animal comes to people or even climbs up on them, this is a clear sign of need. Professional help should be contacted immediately.

Bats: bats may only be secured with gloves because they can bite. They are under strict protection and require specialized care. Veterinarians or NABU experts help.

Larger wild animals (e.g. deer, fox): In the event of injuries or obvious emergency, only specialists - especially hunters, forester or veterinarians - should be consulted. Never act independently!

⚖️ Do not forget legal

The unauthorized persons with protected or hunting wild animals is prohibited and can be punished as poaching. Only veterinarians, wildlife stations or private individuals equipped with approval are allowed to provide such animals. If you take an animal with you, you have to commit yourself to release it after recovery - a permanent attitude is not allowed.

📞 Important contacts at a glance

• Wildlife stations: Depending on the region, can be found by phone or online.
• Wild veterinarian: List of regional veterinary practices with specialization z. B. via veterinary associations or wildlife aid associations.
• NABU wildlife phone: 030 284984 5000
• Hedgehog hotline: 0180 – 55 55 95 51
• Squirrel emergency call: 0700-200 200 12 or +49 176-55 37 68 64

✅ Conclusion

If you find a wild animal, you should act with respect, reluctance and a sense of responsibility. In most cases, professional help from wild veterinarians and catching stations is essential to do justice to the animal - and also to stay legally on the safe side.

🌿 Please never act out of willingness to help, but always speak to experts. The animal will thank you.