The FindRescue field guide

Know what to do before it matters.

Clear, practical first-aid guides for every animal you are likely to find in the UK — when to step in, how to handle them safely, and the mistakes that cost lives. Written from the guidance of the UK’s specialist rescues.

Essential guide · Start here Wildlife first aid Whatever you have found, the first ten minutes follow the same pattern. Learn these four rules and the kit list once, and you will be ready for nearly any wildlife emergency. Read the guide: Wildlife first aid Essential guide · Baby animals Is it really orphaned? Every spring, thousands of perfectly healthy baby animals are “rescued” from parents who were just out of sight. This guide covers the normal behaviour that looks like abandonment — species by species. Read the guide: Is it really orphaned? Essential guide · Prevention Help wildlife at home Most wildlife casualties start in gardens — netting, strimmers, ponds, windows and cats. A few small changes prevent a lot of suffering, and cost almost nothing. Read the guide: Help wildlife at home

Guides by animal

12 guides

Mammal · Nocturnal Hedgehogs A hedgehog out in daylight is in trouble. Healthy ones are asleep. Read the guide about hedgehogs Bird · Songbirds & pigeons Garden birds A fully feathered youngster hopping on the ground is almost certainly fine — its parents are nearby. Read the guide about garden birds Bird · Owls, hawks & falcons Owls & birds of prey Talons, not the beak, are the danger — and handling stress kills raptors. Read the guide about owls & birds of prey Bird · Waterfowl, gulls & herons Swans, ducks & seabirds Swans and geese need a coat over the head; gulls and herons go for your eyes. Read the guide about swans, ducks & seabirds Mammal · Protected species Bats Never touch a bat with bare hands — and ring the Bat Helpline before anyone else. Read the guide about bats Mammal · Urban & rural Foxes A conscious adult fox will bite hard. Contain the scene and ring for help. Read the guide about foxes Mammal · Protected species Badgers A badger can crush bone through a glove. Contain the scene, not the badger. Read the guide about badgers Mammal · Six UK species Deer Never put an injured deer in a car. A concussed deer waking up at speed has killed people. Read the guide about deer Mammal · Squirrels, rabbits, hares & mice Squirrels, rabbits & small mammals Warmth first. And with grey squirrels, know what the law requires a rescue to do. Read the guide about squirrels, rabbits & small mammals Marine · Seals, dolphins & whales Seals & dolphins A seal on a beach is usually just resting. Watch from 100 metres before deciding. Read the guide about seals & dolphins Cold-blooded · Snakes, lizards, frogs & toads Reptiles & amphibians One venomous snake in the UK, and it has a zig-zag down its back. Do not handle it. Read the guide about reptiles & amphibians Domestic animals · Strays & rehoming Pets, horses & farm animals Domestic animals usually have an owner. Your first job is to help them get home. Read the guide about pets, horses & farm animals