Continuing to leave a light on for cumbrias most vulnerable
Providing wildlife rescue and community support
Wildlife Information
Have you ever come across a wild animal and wondered if you should intervene? It is illegal to remove and keep any wild animal if they are not sick or injured, so it may be tricky to guess if an animal needs help or they are likely to recover on their own. Our general guide flow chart and Information may help you make the best choice for the animal. If in doubt, our volunteers are available to answer any questions.
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You'd thinking knowing whether to get help for an animal or whether it's best to leave them alone would be common sense, wouldn't you? But the truth is, the more people take an interest in wildlife, the more empathic we become. As humans, we want to nurture what we find to be struggling, perhaps a hedgehog in the rain might be tempting to relocate under a dry hedge or house in the garage until better weather, but as good intentioned as those acts might be, they can be really harmful and stressful for the animal involved.
As a rule of thumb, if an animal would likely suffer, they are best in the temporary care of someone that can help.
‘Normal’ behaviours are any behaviour which is seen in healthy animals, that is; the ability to be free from pain and injury, the ability to access and source food, the ability to flee from danger in a prompt manner, and the ability to mix with their own kind.
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If the hedgehog was stopping in the middle of the road to seek food and there is the possibility of a car coming along, it is kind to gently move them off the road because the chances of death are likely, however, if the hedgehog was casually seeking food in grass, we would not consider interfering in-case a predator is round the corner. We must give wildlife a chance in their own environment with as little human interference as possible. Wild animals are surprisingly skilled at getting away from danger, except when they are unable to due to illness or injury. This is when it is compassionate to give them a little help.
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A bird that cannot fly may be said to need help and shelter to prevent harm, yet, not every bird that can't fly needs a human caregiver. Seagull chicks often fall off roofs when they outgrow their living space or misjudge their footing, but their parents are fiercely protective and continue to feed while they are on the ground. They are also very skilled at directing the chick away from danger with the use of warning calls. In cases similar to that, these birds may benefit from an indirect form of monitoring and if the situation changes, you may want to consider seeking some advice on what to do.
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Wild animals do not usually do very well in captivity unless it is absolutely necessary, especially babies who learn so much more from their parents, which gives them the best chance at a long life.
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Gulls
Fun Fact - Did you know ‘seagulls’ aren’t A Species?
It may not come as a surprise to hear that 'seagulls' get bad rap, nicknamed 'sky rats,' they have it hard trying to survive each day. It's hard enough being an animal in a humans world, without the extra hate and criminal harm they are afforded daily. Despite the injuries they sustain, the car chases they avoid and the hostility they receive, this magnificent species is a hardy bird that tends to adapt to most disabilities they sustain. Learn more about the Great Black Backed Gull and Herring Gulls that often get the 'seagull' title.
Jackdaws, Crows, Ravens & Rooks
These Social, intelligent birds are termed ‘corvids’ and they form 4 of the 8 species of Corvids that reside in the UK. Interesting birds to watch, Corvids can mimic sounds, including a human voice. Crows are especially known for their ability to use tools, and problem solve. It is said that they can hold grudges when they perceive someone as threatening, whether this be another human or animal, corvids are skilled at recognising faces and can distinguish between a friendly or non-friendly face. Crows can also remember humans who they have had previous positive or negative interactions with. Truly incredible birds!
Foxes
Once seen only in the countryside, these stunning animals can be found in more urban areas, as their habitats decrease, they find themselves among a human world that isn’t often kind. Often solitary animals, they are exceptional night time hunters, and being omnivores, eat both plant and meat foods. Urban foxes tend to feed off human leftovers and whatever else they can find, including insects. Incredibly, foxes use the earths magnetic field to judge depth, distance and direction of prey. Fascinating!
