Helping injured animals on Scilly

Bird flu support

We are deeply concerned by the spread of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) through wild birds, particularly seabirds, around the UK. You may have seen the devastating impact that the disease is having, particularly on seabird populations. 2022 saw 10s of dead or injured gannets and gulls washing up on our beaches. We are asking members of the public to remain vigilant to Bird Flu. It is highly transmissible to other birds, and whilst the risk to human health is currently small, it is very real. It can also pass to pets, domestic animals and other wild animals.

Please, DO NOT TOUCH ANY SICK OR DEAD BIRDS. If you find any dead waterfowl (ducks, swans, geese), gulls, seabirds, birds of prey or more than five of any species together, please report them to Defra on 03459 335577.  

Find out more

Injured grey seals, dolphins or whales

BDMLR have a team of trained Marine Mammal Medics in Scilly that can respond to a live stranding or an injured seal or seal pup. If you see an injured marine mammal on our coastline please call BDMLR for advice: 01825 765 546.

Please note the location, the state of the tide and any injuries you can see without getting close. For your own safety - and that of the animal - please adhere to the following:

• keep people and dogs away;
• do not attempt to put/or chase the animal back into the sea;
• do not pour water over it (in the case of cetaceans this could enter the blowhole, the hole on top of its head through which it breathes and cause further harm);
• do not touch the animal as it may carry diseases that you could catch;
• avoid breathing in over the blowhole of cetaceans as an animals breath may contain harmful bacteria.

BDMLR volunteer Marine Mammal Medics are trained to assist seals, cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and turtles, but can also help in other situations which involve live marine animals, too. If you are unsure whether BDMLR can assist, just give them a ring and speak to one of their team.

Injured birds or baby birds

Throughout the spring and summer it is not uncommon to find baby birds that appear to need help. Unless they are directly in danger, e.g. they are on a footpath, road, pavement or there are cats around, the best thing to do is to leave them be. Often the parents will be close by and still feeding them. Baby birds are very hard to care for, so please do not collect them or remove them from the area. It is not uncommon for us to receive several calls every summer about gull chicks that have fallen off roofs!

If you find an injured mammal or bird, rehabilitation may be possible in some cases. You can contact us first for advice - in the case of birds of prey, gulls and larger species, it may be that we can have the bird transported to Mousehole Bird Hospital for rehabilitation. Alternatively, please contact our island vet, Heike Dorns, for assistance on 01720 423667. Do not touch the bird unless advised to do so, especially in the case of seabirds as Bird Flu may be present.

Injured hedgehogs

If you find a hedgehog out and about during daylight hours it is likely to be unwell. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and should not be seen active during the day. Additionally, if you find a small hedgehog in the run up to, or during, the colder winter months it is likely to need some assistance. Hedgehogs hibernate, although it is not uncommon to find active hedgehogs during the winter in Scilly due to our mild climate. However, in order to survive the winter a hedgehog needs to be a healthy size/weight. If you find a hedgehog and you think it needs help, please contact Ro Bennett through Scilly Hedgehogs Facebook Page or on 01720 422681 or 07979 861609.

Injured bats

If you find an injured bat (usually on the ground), then it may need assistance. You can contact our island vet, Heike Dorns for assistance on 01720 423667, the Isles of Scilly Bat Group on 07814 744766 or get in touch with us for advice. You can also contact Bat Conservation Trust helpline: bats.org.uk/our-work/national-bat-helpline 

Lost or injured racing pigeons

Racing pigeons often turn up on Scilly looking dazed and confused. They can be very tired and in need of help. They are recognisable as they have numbered/lettered rings on their legs and are generally pretty friendly and easy to catch. If you find a racing pigeon and you think it needs help, contact Ellie Brown on 01720 422129 or 07966 446481, or email relax@sylina.co.uk.

Dead seals or cetaceans

If you find dead marine life on our beaches please call the Marine Strandings Network on 0345 201 2626 and report it on the 24-hour hotline. Don't assume it has already been reported (unless it has a visible tag already on it) and do not touch or try to move the animal; animal carcasses can carry diseases and pose a risk of infection/illness (particularly to pregnant women).

Other animals

You may occasionally see feral cats on our tenanted land, or other injured wildlife. Get in touch with us if you have any cause for concern.