What to Do If You Find an Injured Wild Animal?

According to environmental officials, every spring they have to address what to do with young wild animals that people find in nature and bring home, thinking they are orphans and need care. Dozens of moose calves, roe deer fawns, hares, and young birds are taken this way. Almost all of them are healthy and cared for by their parents, so taking each one causes great harm to nature. Young animals and birds very rarely become orphans, and a fawn, moose calf, or roe deer fawn found in a meadow or forest is usually not alone. Sensing an approaching person, the youngster’s mother retreats, while the weak young one huddles in its bed, so it is important to leave as quickly as possible and leave the animal to its mother. The same applies to young birds—after leaving the nest, they often cannot fly well yet, hide in grass or among branches, and wait for their parents to arrive with food.

Owlets crawl out of tree hollows or nests while still fluffy, with emerging wing feathers, because staying in the nest for too long is dangerous—this is the only way owlets avoid being destroyed by martens. Although the Wildlife Law and other legal acts strictly prohibit taking young animals from nature, people still often ignore this prohibition. If a taken young animal is not discovered immediately, it becomes impossible to return it to its parents. Kept at home, this youngster cannot grow up healthy, and returning it to nature requires a long adaptation period. Some animals raised by humans are simply lost to nature. All illegally taken animals can be confiscated. Illegal taking carries administrative liability.

If an animal dies due to the fault of the person who took it, damages to nature will be calculated. The Ministry of Environment reminds that all wildlife in Lithuania belongs to the state. Taking animals from nature without permission is only allowed if you find an injured or sick animal or bird. Whether it needs care or treatment is determined by veterinarians or animal welfare service specialists.

We provide a list of institutions throughout Lithuania where you should contact if you find an injured wild animal: