Getting help with your wildlife.

 

While we are a small organization, we are dedicated to assisting you with your queries. When we are not busy at work, you will usually find us at home, caring for our animals.

 

If you have found injured wildlife or need our advice, please visit our Contact Us page or find us on Facebook and click the "Message Us" button. Currently, we do not have a phone number for the rescue.

 

We collaborate with other organizations to ensure you receive the best possible assistance. If we are unable to help directly, we will connect you with the appropriate resources.

 

 

INJURED WILDLIFE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO VET FOR ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT, UNLESS THEY ADVISE OTHERWISE. WE WORK CLOSELY WITH A NUMBER OF LOCAL VETS IN THE AREA AND CAN TAKE ON EVEN MORE COMPLICATED CASES FROM THEM DIRECTLY.

  

 

What3Words for Accurate Logging of Injured Animals

 

What3Words is a precise geolocation tool that divides the world into 3m x 3m squares, each identified by a unique combination of three words. This innovative system provides an accurate and easy-to-communicate way to pinpoint locations. When it comes to logging injured animals.

 

What3Words ensures that rescuers can quickly and accurately locate the exact spot where assistance is needed. By using this system, we can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our rescue operations, ensuring that animals receive timely help.

 

 

What to Do If You Find an Injured Animal

 

Encountering an injured animal can be a distressing experience, but your actions can make a significant difference. Here's what to do if you come across an animal in need of help:

  1. Stay Safe: Your safety is paramount. Keep a safe distance from the animal to avoid any potential harm to yourself or further stress to the animal.

  2. Assess the Situation: Observe the animal from a distance to determine the extent of its injuries. If possible, take note of its behavior, condition, and surroundings.

  3. Make the Animal Safe: If it's safe to do so, gently place the animal in a secure, quiet area away from predators and potential hazards. Avoid excessive handling, as this can cause additional stress.

  4. Document the Scene: Take clear photos and videos of the injured animal and its surroundings. This documentation can be crucial in assessing the situation and providing appropriate care.

  5. Report the Incident: Contact Sompting Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation as soon as possible. Provide us with detailed information about the animal, its condition, and its location. Share the photos and videos you've taken to help us understand the situation better.

  6. Follow Instructions: We will provide you with specific instructions on what to do next. This may include waiting with the animal until our team arrives or taking the animal to a designated location for further care.

  7. Stay Calm: Remaining calm and patient is essential. Your composure can help keep the animal at ease and ensure a smoother rescue operation.

By following these steps, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for the injured animal. Thank you for your compassion and willingness to assist in wildlife rescue efforts.

 

 

INFORMATION SHEETS

 

 

GULLS

 

 

 

 

Flying Ant Day and Seagulls

 

During Flying Ant Day, large swarms of flying ants take to the skies, providing a feast for seagulls. However, the formic acid in the ants can make the seagulls appear "drunk," causing them to exhibit unusual behavior such as unsteady flying and erratic movements. This is particularly important to note as these symptoms may resemble those of bird flu. If you observe seagulls acting strangely, it's essential to distinguish between the effects of formic acid and potential signs of illness.

 

 

 

Gull Chicks: Identification and Care Guide

 

Gull chicks go through various life stages, each with distinct characteristics. Here's a guide to help you identify these stages and understand what to do if you find grounded chicks during the gull breeding season:

 

By understanding the life stages of gull chicks and knowing how to respond when you find a grounded chick, you can help ensure their safety and well-being during the critical breeding season.

 

As we usually care for more birds than any other species, our initial efforts have been directed toward creating bird-specific helpsheets. Helpsheets for other wildlife, including hedgehogs, foxes, and badgers, will follow over the next few months.

 

During the breeding season for UK birds, many young birds experience their first taste of independence. As a result, it is common to find fledglings in your garden who are unable to fly. This is a natural stage in their development, and within a few days, they will typically be on their way.

 

During this "grounded" period, the parents remain nearby to feed and protect them. We kindly ask that you do not interfere with these birds unless you are concerned about their health or safety. Please contact us before attempting to handle them

 

The first link below can be used for garden birds. (a more detailed "What to do" ) can be found under these guide. The second one is for seagulls.

 

Separate help sheets will be added for Corvids (Crows. Jackdaws etc), Pigeons and Owls shortly.

 

 

Fledglings

 

 

 

 

So you've found a baby bird.

 

This is a flowchart of the various situations where small garden birds (NOT GULLS) may need to be helped. Where we note veterinary help, they may refer you to a wildlife sanctuary. This is not an issue as long as the bird is not injured in any way. This is why we recommend a vet check first if there is no other option. 

 

 

 

 

So you've found a baby gull  

 

This is a leaflet designed specifically for GULLS, we find alot of the gulls that come into veterinary practices and rescues, actually don't need to come in.

 

Hopefully this guide will help with any decision making you need to do.

 

As always we are here to help if you get stuck, please see our FB page and Message us for help. 

 

Download our guide on Fledglings and what to look out for and when to seek help. This is for GARDEN BIRDS only.