Stop! Do not attempt to handle a live badger, deer or fox on the road. They can all inflict severe injuries to humans. You can protect these larger mammals from receiving further injury by positioning a car with its hazard warning lights and headlights on, behind the creature, to warn other road users, providing it does not endanger you or other road users.

Covering an injured animal will help reduce stress and keep it warm, but do not over handle the animal or bird. Wild creatures are not calmed by contact with humans. Talking to them and stroking them can only increase their stress.

Keep all birds away from your face. Long beaked and long necked birds (herons in particular) will peck at anything shiny, your eyes being an obvious target.

Watch out for the talons on birds of prey (owls, kestrels, sparrow hawks, etc.) as these are their most dangerous weapon. Throw a towel over the bird and pick it up using thick gloves.

Keep the number of your nearest wildlife rescue centre to hand. Carry one copy in your car.

         _________________________________

Do try and move any dead creatures off the road (when it is possible) as they can attract other birds and animals to them as they will scavenge, which then places these other wildlife, and road users, at further risk. To check if a creature is dead, a gentle prod with a long stick should be enough to provoke some response if it is still alive.