Go back to our general advice page for how to help injured wildlife
Do not attempt to catch or transport larger injured animals, such as deer, badgers, foxes or seals. Without the appropriate training and equipment, you can hurt yourself and put these animals at risk of further injuries.
If you do come across a wild animal that seems to be injured or in distress:
Apply common sense when approaching an injured animal
If it is safe to catch and handle the animal, then, wearing suitable gloves, quickly place it into a secure cardboard box with ventilation holes, lined with a towel or newspaper. Keep the animal quiet and take it to a wildlife centre, local wildlife rehabilitator or your local vet.
Wangford Veterinary Clinic are always happy to help injured wildlife. However, all too often specialist care is required, which is best given by wildlife centres such as those listed. If you can, transporting the animal directly there all helps to minimise the stress for the animal and allows prompt treatment.
Injured or sick wildlife can behave strangely. Nocturnal creatures like bats who usually only come out at night might be seen during the day if they aren’t well. Hedgehogs sometimes come out during the day so unless they look unwell or injured they should be left to continue their journey.
Any wildlife, especially birds that are caught by a cat or dog, should be examined by a vet even if they aren’t visibly injured because being caught or carried by these pets can cause shock or fatal septicaemia.
Finding a grounded or lost bat is a unique experience. For many people, it will be the first time they have come close to one of these fascinating and unappreciated creatures. And knowing you've helped a bat survive is a feeling like no other!
Although bats are protected by law, you're allowed to handle a bat in trouble in order to assist it. There is a small risk of rabies transmission from bat bites and scratches in the UK, but you can protect yourself by using the special containment procedure and wearing gloves.
If you can safely reach the bat, the next step is to contain it in a box. It may sound daunting, but it's really not that complicated!
Start by creating a bat care box. You will need:
You may be able to get the bat into the box without touching it, as described below. But if you do need to touch it, please WEAR GLOVES due to the small risk of rabies transmission. You're very unlikely to be bitten or scratched if you follow our procedure, but if it does happen, please seek immediate medical advice.
Important: Please don't release the bat before getting further advice.
The National Bat Helpline
Telephone: 0345 1300 228
Hedgerows Hedgehog Rescue
Address: 30 Yarrow Dr, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft NR33 8NG
Phone: 07711 272439
Website: https://hedgerows-hedgehog-rescue.business.site
Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital
Address: 2 The Hill, Ousden, Newmarket, Suffok CB8 8TW
Phone Number: 01638 500295
Secondary Phone Number: 07702 211302 / 07789 986763
Website: https://www.suffolkhedgehoghospital.com/
Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue
Address: Meadow Cottage, Stonham Aspal IP14 5DT
Phone: 07469 177090
Website: https://suffolkprickles.org/
Email: suffolkprickleshedgehogrescue@gmail.com
Foxy Lodge Wildlife Rescue - Birds of all kinds, Hedgehogs, Deer and Foxes
Address: Newport Rd, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth NR29 4NN
Phone: 01493 384237 Phone between 9am – 5pm
Website: http://www.foxylodge.yolasite.com/
Email: jgarner1@toucansurf.com
Note: Inclusion in our directory is NOT an endorsement. You are strongly advised to check the suitability of any organisation you contact to help with your wildlife casualty