10 Tips for Staying Safe

It is very important to be safe when interacting with any wild animal or bird. Here are a few tips to remember when dealing with one.

1) Don't place yourself at any unnecessary risk. When in doubt, call for reliable information or help from a more experienced person.

2) If you are handling possible rabies vector patients, BE SURE to get your pre-exposure shots and keep your titer checked yearly. Contact your personal physician, the veterinarian you work with or your local warden service for more information about receiving the shots. A simple blood test checks your titer (this tells you if it is time for a booster shot in case of possible exposure with a rabid animal)

3) If at all possible, have a second person (with some experience) available to help you with more difficult cases.

4) Remember teeth, nails, beaks and talons are all potential weapons. These are what the animal of bird uses to defend itself and unless it is in complete shock - it WILL try to defend itself against you. It is not going to realize you are only trying to help.

5) Have a pair of heavy leather gloves to use in handling large raptors (birds of prey) and larger mammals. Towels may be used on smaller birds and animals but be careful their toenails don't get caught in the material. A towel over the patient's head may help calm them down a bit as they can't see you.

6) Safety glasses are recommended when handling long-beaked birds such as herons, egrets and bitterns as these birds tend to try to poke you in the eye when given the opportunity.

7) If you must go into a cage where a patient is being kept, wear closed-toe shoes and long pants to avoid possible bites and scratches to your person.

8) Make sure the door of any cage is securely fastened to prevent escape.

9) Move slowly and cautiously with any animal so as not to frighten them any more than they are just from being held in captivity. They are more apt to be aggressive and try to attack you if you are not calm.

10) When using any type of restraint, be aware of where your body parts are in relation to teeth and talons or you will be needing medical attention as well as your patient.

Be Safe, Not Sorry

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