Found a wild animal – who helps?
Who is responsible?
- Hedgehogs, squirrels, songbirds, pigeons: a wildlife rescue centre (Wildtierstation, Auffangstation) or a veterinary practice.
- Bats: the bat emergency phone lines of the nature conservation associations, or a wildlife rescue centre.
- Roe deer, wild boar, fox, brown hare, badger, wild duck, wild goose, bird of prey: these species fall under hunting law (Jagdrecht). The hunter responsible for the area is in charge – you reach them through the police (110).
- Collision with wildlife on the road: always the police, even if the animal has run off.
- Strictly protected species such as owls, storks or beavers: additionally the nature conservation authority (Naturschutzbehörde) of the district – it knows the carers.
- Animal in a situation it cannot get out of by itself (shaft, fence, ice): fire brigade (112) or police.
What to do now
- Watch from a distance first: is the animal really injured or abandoned? Young animals often sit alone and are still being cared for.
- Your safety comes first. Do not touch wild boar, foxes, badgers, deer, swans or birds of prey – they defend themselves and can cause serious injuries.
- Pick up small animals (hedgehog, bird, squirrel) with gloves or a cloth and put them in a cardboard box with air holes and a towel. Lid closed, dark, quiet, warm.
- Remember the exact place or mark it on your phone – the animal will be returned there later.
- Now make the call: wildlife rescue centre, veterinary practice or – for game animals – the police. If you cannot reach anyone, report the animal to us with location and photo.
Please do not
- Do not feed it and do not pour anything into it. The wrong food, or water in the beak or mouth, harms a foundling more than a few hours without food.
- Do not take roe deer, wild boar, hares or foxes with you: anyone who takes game without the consent of the holder of the hunting rights may be committing poaching (Wilderei).
- Do not keep a wild animal. You may only take it in to nurse it back to health – and it must be released as soon as it can cope alone.
- Do not touch with bare hands, especially bats and foxes: because of bites, parasites and diseases.
Who helps
Wildlife rescue centres, veterinary practices, the police for game animals and collisions with wildlife, the nature conservation authority for strictly protected species. Local veterinary practices or the veterinary office (Veterinäramt) usually know where the nearest centre is. We help look for a foster place – report the animal to us with location and photo.
Report an emergency Animal rescue near you
Frequent questions
Is there a wildlife rescue near me?
There is no nationwide service. Wildlife help is provided by associations, private rescue centres and some animal shelters. Ask a local veterinary practice, the veterinary office (Veterinäramt) or the district’s nature conservation authority for the nearest centre – or report the animal to us and we will help search.
Who pays for treating a wild animal?
Wild animals belong to nobody, so there is no body that is certain to cover the costs. Many veterinary practices give wild animals first aid free of charge; rescue centres mostly run on donations. Ask at the practice before you sign anything.
The animal is dead. Do I have to do anything?
For game at the roadside, inform the police so that it is collected. Do not touch dead water birds, birds of prey or several dead animals in one place, and report them to the veterinary office (Veterinäramt) – this can point to an animal disease such as avian influenza.
Related
- Found a young or injured bird
- Found a fawn or young wild animal
- Local animal rescue: who is responsible
This page gives general advice. It replaces neither a vet nor legal advice.
More guides
- Finding an emergency vetEmergency vet – how to find one at night and at the weekend
- Hedgehog foundFound a hedgehog – what to do?
- Bird foundFound a young or injured bird – what to do?
- Dog foundFound a stray dog – what to do?
- Cat turned upA cat has turned up or been found – what to do?
- Pet run awayDog or cat has run away – what to do?
- Collision with wildlifeCollision with wildlife: deer or wild boar hit – what to do?
- Dog in a hot carDog in a hot car – what to do?
- Report animal crueltyReporting animal cruelty or neglect – how does it work?
- Poison bait foundFound poison bait – and what if the dog has already eaten some?
- Injured pigeonFound an injured pigeon – what to do?
- Fawn foundFound a fawn or young wild animal – what to do?
- Squirrel foundFound a squirrel – what to do?
- Bat foundFound a bat – what to do?
- Young hare foundFound a young hare or wild rabbit – what to do?
- Injured swan or duckFound an injured swan, duck or goose – what to do?
- Cat hit by a carCat hit by a car or found at the roadside – what to do?
- Abandoned animal foundFound an abandoned animal – what to do?
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