What to Do If You Hit a Bird and It’s Still Alive: A Guide to Swift Action
Knowing what to do if you hit a bird and it’s still alive? is crucial: gently contain the bird in a dark, quiet, and secure box, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately for expert care.
Understanding the Urgency: Why Immediate Action Matters
Encountering a bird you’ve accidentally struck with a vehicle or found injured can be distressing. However, immediate and appropriate action dramatically increases the bird’s chances of survival. Birds are delicate creatures, and even seemingly minor injuries can be fatal if left untreated. Stress, shock, and secondary injuries like internal bleeding are common after a collision. Knowing what to do if you hit a bird and it’s still alive can literally be the difference between life and death.
First Steps: Assessing the Situation
Before attempting to handle the bird, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Pull over to a safe location away from traffic. Observe the bird from a distance to assess its condition. Is it alert? Are there any obvious injuries, such as broken wings or bleeding? Is it attempting to move or struggling? These observations will be helpful when you contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Safe Capture and Containment
Approaching and capturing the bird requires a gentle and cautious approach.
- Gather Supplies: Prepare a cardboard box lined with soft material like paper towels or a clean towel. Ensure the box has adequate ventilation holes.
- Gentle Approach: Approach the bird slowly and calmly. Speak in a quiet, reassuring voice.
- Cover and Capture: Using a towel or light blanket, gently cover the bird. This will help calm it and prevent further injury.
- Careful Handling: Gently pick up the bird, supporting its body, and place it in the prepared box.
- Secure the Box: Close the box securely but ensure adequate ventilation.
- Dark and Quiet Environment: Place the box in a dark, quiet, and warm location away from pets and loud noises.
Contacting a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Finding a qualified wildlife rehabilitator is the most critical step after securing the bird. Rehabilitators are trained professionals equipped to provide specialized care, including diagnosis, treatment, and eventual release back into the wild.
- Local Resources: Search online for licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area. Many state wildlife agencies maintain lists of licensed rehabilitators.
- Veterinarians: Some veterinarians also provide wildlife rehabilitation services. Call local veterinary clinics to inquire.
- Important Information: When contacting a rehabilitator, provide details about the bird, including its species (if known), the location where you found it, and a description of its injuries and behavior.
What NOT to Do
- Do not attempt to treat the bird yourself. Improper care can cause further injury or death.
- Do not give the bird food or water. Injured birds may have difficulty swallowing and could aspirate.
- Do not handle the bird excessively. Minimize handling to reduce stress.
- Do not keep the bird as a pet. It is illegal to possess wild birds without the proper permits.
Transportation Considerations
If the wildlife rehabilitator is located a distance away, ensure the bird’s comfort during transportation.
- Keep the Box Secure: Secure the box in your vehicle to prevent it from sliding around.
- Maintain a Comfortable Temperature: Avoid extreme temperatures in the car.
- Minimize Noise and Vibration: Drive smoothly and avoid loud music or excessive noise.
- Direct Transport: Transport the bird directly to the rehabilitator without unnecessary stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I can’t identify the bird species?
Focus on providing accurate information about its size, coloration, and any distinctive features when contacting a rehabilitator. Pictures can be helpful, but prioritize the bird’s immediate needs. Knowing what to do if you hit a bird and it’s still alive is more crucial than identifying its species yourself.
Is it safe to handle a bird? Are there any diseases I should be worried about?
While the risk is low, birds can carry diseases. Always wear gloves when handling a bird and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Bird bites and scratches can also transmit infections, so handle the bird gently and avoid getting bitten.
What if the bird appears to be only stunned and not injured?
Even if the bird appears stunned but uninjured, it’s still best to contain it in a box for a few hours in a dark, quiet place. Monitor it closely. If it doesn’t recover within a few hours, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Sometimes internal injuries are not immediately apparent.
Can I keep the bird warm if it seems cold?
Yes, you can place a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel next to the box. Ensure the bird cannot directly touch the water bottle to avoid burns. Maintaining a stable and comfortable temperature is important.
What if the bird is bleeding?
Apply gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Do not attempt to clean the wound yourself. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately, as the bird may require veterinary attention.
Should I try to splint a broken wing?
No. Attempting to splint a broken wing without proper training can cause further injury. Leave that to the professionals at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Your role is to safely contain the bird and get it to expert care.
The wildlife rehabilitator is far away. What should I do in the meantime?
Keep the bird in the dark, quiet box. Avoid handling it or offering food or water. Call the rehabilitator for specific instructions and ask if there are closer rehabilitators you may not have found.
Will the bird be able to survive in the wild after rehabilitation?
Rehabilitators strive to release birds back into their natural habitat after they have fully recovered. The success rate depends on the severity of the injuries, the bird’s age, and its ability to adapt back to the wild. Expert care significantly increases the chances of a successful release.
What if the bird dies before I can get it to a rehabilitator?
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, some birds may not survive their injuries. Contact the rehabilitator to inform them, and they can advise on proper disposal of the body.
How can I prevent hitting birds in the future?
Drive cautiously, especially in areas with high bird activity. Be particularly vigilant during migration seasons. Avoid throwing food out of your car window, as this can attract birds to roadways. Consider placing bird-safe stickers on windows to prevent collisions.
Are all wildlife rehabilitators licensed? Why is this important?
It is crucial to ensure that any wildlife rehabilitator you contact is properly licensed. Licensed rehabilitators have the necessary training, experience, and facilities to provide appropriate care for injured animals. They also adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations that protect both the animals and the public.
What legal considerations are there for handling injured wildlife?
In most places, it’s illegal to possess or care for native wildlife without the proper permits. Transporting an injured bird to a licensed rehabilitator is generally permissible, but it’s always best to check local regulations. Contacting your local wildlife agency can provide clarification. Knowing what to do if you hit a bird and it’s still alive? begins with understanding your legal responsibilities.