It’s a credit to everyone if they don’t turn a blind eye to animal cruelty – but sometimes what doesn’t need help gets “saved” and causes animal suffering in the first place! Experts from the nature conservation center in Bruck an der Mur (Styria) explain what to look out for.
First, stay away from anything with fur (rabbits, fawns, etc.) unless it is clearly injured or has been shown to have been abandoned. Otherwise, the mother animal will no longer accept it, which would be the death penalty for the wild animal’s baby.
But hands-off is often the order of the day with baby birds too! Because: “As important as it is that people do not turn a blind eye to animal suffering”, emphasizes Maria Feldgrill of the involved nature conservation center in Bruck, “human intervention is also not necessary in many cases.”
Put birds without feathers in the nest
The expert knows when a young animal is actually in distress. The first stage of a bird, the nestling, is only covered with down, has no feathers, can only survive in the nest: “If it is found outside, put it back in the nest. If you can’t find it, save it.” Then the baby bird, keep it warm with a lukewarm water bottle and contact a wildlife sanctuary quickly.”
Help only in the danger zone
The young, the next phase, has the following characteristics: He is already exploring the environment, has the first feathers in his down fur and is flapping. Feldgrill: “Again, he only needs help when he’s injured or in a dangerous area, or when the parent dogs don’t dare approach him. For example, if there are people around or if there is traffic.”
What to do: “Remove the animal from the danger zone and place it in a safe, elevated area. Go away! So that the parents dare to come.”
Always call experts
Maria Feldgrill urges you to always call experts and seek advice “before taking a young animal from the wild! Especially when it comes to deer or rabbits. An unnecessary rescue will do a lot of damage.”
Information: Nature Conservation Center Bruck, 0664 1515876; Small wild animals in dire need, 0650 6452535.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
