What to Do If You Find an Injured Animal in Idaho

Idaho is home to some incredible wildlife, and it isn't uncommon to see animals daily. Typically it is hawks, eagles, rock chucks, and small animals, but from time to time, a deer, a moose, or a coyote may be spotted as well. These animals are usually looking for food or traveling from one destination to the other, but there are also times when they are injured or need help. If you see an animal in Idaho that is injured, what is the proper thing to do and the best way to handle the situation?

Seeing Injured Animals in Idaho

As the weather is getting warmer and summer is fast approaching, many in Idaho will be out hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. During the warm months, it isn't uncommon to see more wildlife, and while most are cautious when approaching these animals, some animals could use help from being attacked, injured, or hurt in some way. When you come across these animals, what is the best way to approach the situation? While some want to save every animal and put an injured bird in a safe place, try to rescue a hurt squirrel, or want to bring a deer home to nurse it back to health, none of these are good options, and what you should do. There are a few things to know when coming across hurt animals in the Gem State. 

How to Handle Injured Animals in Idaho

While coming across an injured bird it may be tempting to take it home or help it, it is best to leave the animal. While this likely will seal its fate, moving it will only delay the inevitable. The same goes for any other small or large animal you see. Animals get injured all the time, and while knowing about it and seeing it is heartbreaking, it is best to let nature take its course. A popular question that many have is if you see an animal and know its fate, can you help speed up the process? According to Idaho Fish and Game, and in the link in the paragraph above, the public is not permitted to dispatch injured wildlife. 

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If you find an injured animal in your yard such as a squirrel or small bird, it is up to you how to proceed, but likely, the end isn't far away. It all depends on the injury as there are many stories of animals like these becoming pets and living for years, but when it comes to larger animals, they typically do not do well. For more on what you should and shouldn't do if you encounter an injured animal in Idaho, make sure to click the link in the second paragraph above.