🐾 Found a Lone Baby Wild Animal? Here’s What to Do

Written By Linsay McPhail

At Real Vets, we often receive calls from concerned locals who’ve discovered a vulnerable looking baby animal — maybe a fledgling bird on the ground or a fawn hidden in the bushes. We appreciate how caring and cautious this instinct is. However, intervening can sometimes do more harm than good.

🦉 Why It’s Usually Best to Wait

  • Most “lone” baby animals are not abandoned — they are either fledglings learning to fly or nestlings temporarily left while their parents forage. In many cases, the young animal does not need rescue at all and best chances of survival come from staying with its mother.

  • Removing or disturbing them can sever essential parental care or expose them to greater danger.

✅ What You Should Do

  • Observe from a Safe Distance

    • If the animal appears healthy, stay a fair distance away and quietly monitor. The parent will usually return with food or move the youngster.

  • Consider Whether It’s Safe

    • Fledgling birds (fully feathered, on the ground): likely just learning to fly. Unless they’re in imminent danger—like a busy road—you can leave them be. If needed, gently relocate them 3–6 metres to a safe spot nearby.

    • Nestlings (little or no feathers): very vulnerable. If the nest is nearby and visible, gently place the bird back in. If not, construct a makeshift nest from a small box lined with grass, moss or tissue and place it in a nearby bush or tree.

  • Keep Pets Well Away

    • If there are cats or dogs around, keep them leashed and away from young wildlife. Minimizing disturbance increases the chance of survival.

  •  Only Act If There’s Clear Danger

    • If the animal is injured, weak, or at risk (e.g., on a road, near predators, or exposed), consider moving it a short distance to safety—again, close to where it was found—then monitor and seek further advice.

📞 When to Contact the SSPCA

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) offers authoritative guidance on wildlife concerns. You should call their animal helpline if:

  • The animal is clearly injured or ill

  • There’s immediate threat to its safety

  • You’re not sure what to do after monitoring

The helpline is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm: 03000 999 999. Their team can help you assess the situation and decide whether intervention is required.

📚 For More Information

For comprehensive guidance, the Scottish SPCA’s own resources are the best place to turn. You can find detailed steps on what to do when you come across a lone baby animal here:

👉 SSPCA Lone Baby Animals Advice

Situation and advice summary

Fledgling safely on ground

  • Monitor quietly; move only if unsafe

Nestling without feathers

  • Replace in nest or create substitute

Other mammal (e.g. fawn, hare)

  • Observe from distance; come back in 24 h

Injured or in danger

  • Move gently to safe spot; call helpline

At Real Vets, we’re always here to support you with further advice or care if needed. But when it comes to wild animals, the best help often comes from letting nature run its course — with just a bit of human kindness and gentle observation.

Stay compassionate and informed—and don’t hesitate to reach out to SSPCA if unsure.


Linsay McPhail
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