Why you should think twice before rescuing a wild animal

As the Conversation details in new research, rescuing distressed wildlife, despite good intentions, can sometimes backfire. Australia is responding to its first H5N1 bird flu cases—seventeen confirmed as of Thursday—and authorities are urging the public to avoid contact with sick or dying animals. But people want to help. Hand-rearing orphaned birds or marsupials can cause them to become imprinted on humans, losing the survival skills they need in the wild. Treating sick animals in the field can contaminate the ecosystem with the medications used to help them. Even collecting eucalyptus leaves to feed hospitalized koalas may leave wild koalas in the area going hungry. The research recommends consulting licensed wildlife rehabilitators before attempting a rescue—experts trained to balance animal welfare, human safety, and environmental health.

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