Observe wildlife first, before intervening, experts advise

It is the time of year where we can watch hares running over the hills, hear chirps from under the rafters, spot a red fluffy tail disappearing in the hedge or feel the light movement of air of a bat flitting by.

We enjoy these swift encounters with wildlife, not only because it is an essential component of healthy ecosystems, but because it warms our heart. Sometimes it breaks it too. How to react, when an injured animal is found?

Someone who knows, is Caroline van den Berg. A few years ago, she stepped in to fill the void in Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim to help rescue wildlife. ‘Thankfully I have great staff and I can leave the shop at the drop of a hat.’ The business she is talking about is of course ‘Wild Wardrobe’, a second-hand clothes store in Cavan Town that Caroline and Joanna Birsanu run. The non-profit organisation dedicates its proceeds to Irish wildlife rehabilitation at Kildare Wildlife Rescue and Dooletter Wildlife Rescue close to Blacklion.

Caroline gives regular updates on social media about rescued wildlife and also advises on how to approach wildlife that may be in distress.

Obvious signs are if the animal doesn’t behave like it should. Generally, seeing a hedgehog during the day would be ‘a red flag’, says Caroline. However, if it’s a hedgehog that looks like its ‘on a mission’, she could be nursing and looking for additional food. Whereas any animal that seems lethargic, is in difficulty or not moving may need help.

The charity ‘Irish Wildlife Matters’ advises to carefully assess the situation. ‘People encountering wildlife outdoors often want to help, but many situations require observation rather than intervention,’ they say. ‘Young animals such as fledgling birds or leverets [young hares] may appear alone but are often still being cared for by their parents.’

A woman in Belturbet came across one of these fledgling birds recently when it jumped onto her porch. ‘A long-eared owl had just fledged and spent some time exploring before disappearing back into the trees!’ she observed while waiting for the bird to move on.

The Irish Wildlife Act reminds people not to interfere with nests. Without a licence, it is illegal to disturb any wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or young and to take photographs or videos of any wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or young. Giving animals space, keeping dogs under control, and avoiding disturbance are important ways to reduce harm.

Before attempting to capture a wildlife casualty, Wildlife Ireland advises to take time to observe the situation, assess the animal’s condition, discuss the options if possible, and decide whether intervention is appropriate. All wild animals have the potential to transmit disease and inflict serious injuries. Proper equipment is necessary and the relevant wildlife rescue contact can assist before attempting to capture the animal.

Caroline knows sometimes there are situations that require quick action: ‘If an animal has been hit by a car it can go into shock.’ Ideally, the animal would be recovered and brought to treatment right away, because once they recover from the initial shock, they will go into hiding. Then, Caroline says, ‘it is nearly impossible to find them and help them.’ Just last week she was able to recover a fox and bring him to Kildare Wildlife Rescue. Since opening in 2022, KWR have cared for 3,975 animals, releasing 2,429 back into the wild and fostering 1,600.

Calls to Caroline fluctuate in intensity depending on the time of year: ‘During what we call ‘orphan season’ we find a lot of young House Martins.’

This summer visitor arrives from Africa in April and leaves around October. Similiar to swallows, it builds mud nests under the eaves of houses. The bird’s population is in decline due to continuous habitat loss.

‘Unfortunately, the mud doesn’t stick on the plastic facia and the nests drop down,’ Caroline describes one of the issues.

Contacts for Wildlife rehabilitators can be found on www.irishwildlifematters.ie. Besides Caroline, the nearest are in Armagh, Enniskillen, Kells, Kenagh or Newry. Wildlife Matters asks people to be conscious of the fact that ‘rehabbers are nearly all unpaid individuals caring for injured wildlife in a back-garden situation whilst juggling jobs and families.’

Ideally people who phone in about an injured animal can help with the transport as well. Caroline and a group of volunteers organise the transport to the rescue shelters at their own cost, so ‘anyone who can help with transport is much appreciated,’ she says, ready to receive the next call, while organising clothes in the thrift shop.