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Helping Hedgehogs |
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Most people have come across wild animals or birds killed or injured in road accidents. The trauma of the collision is bad enough but often the animal survives and is injured and is lying in the road needing help. Now there is the added anxiety for the driver, of what to do to help the unfortunate casualty and where to take it to get the best care possible. |
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DEFINITION |
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For this article, WILD ANIMAL includes all species of British wild mammal, bird reptile and amphibian. |
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PROGNOSIS |
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Wild animals have the most remarkable powers of recovery so none should ‘be put out of its misery’ until a veterinary surgeon, experienced with wildlife, has had the opportunity to assess its injuries and make a diagnosis and prognosis - usually at a wildlife hospital or rescue centre. In fact ALL wildlife casualties should be taken to or collected by a wildlife rescue group. Vets and other animal welfare bodies like the P.D.S.A., Blue Cross and R.S.P.C.A. do in the main, not have the facilities for the long term care that most wildlife casualties demand. There is an established network of over 200 rescue centres nationwide which can be reached by phoning |
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St Tiggywinkles on 01844 292292. |
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SAFETY |
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Before embarking on any would be rescue of a road casualty every precaution should be taken to ensure the safety of yourself and other road users and to obey the laws of the road. In particular children should not be allowed onto the highway and should be instructed to refer any injured animal to a parent. |
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The most important point is to SEE AND BE SEEN by other road users and remember they may too see the animal and swerve to avoid it. |
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PREVENTION |
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Of course ‘prevention is always better than a cure’ so if we all adopted more careful driving habits then perhaps there would be fewer accidents. A few examples would be :- |
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1. Always drive within the limits of your headlights especially slowing when they are dipped. |
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2. Keep within speed limits - the slower the speed of any impact the less is the damage to the animal and your car |
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3. Take particular care of any animal warning road signs especially in spring when temporary signs may be erected to protect migrating toad crossings. |
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4. Don’t swerve to avoid any hazard or animal, slow down and by flashing your brake lights let any drivers behind you know that you are possibly going to stop. |
