I could not have slept tonight if I had not given those two little birds to their mother.
— Abraham Lincoln, who stopped to return two fledglings to their nest
If there’s anything that upsets me more than seeing an animal on the road who’s been hit by a car, it’s knowing that the driver simply kept going. Maybe ― in the case of a squirrel or other small animal — the driver wasn’t aware of what he’d done. But no one could miss the thud of a 30- or 40-pound raccoon. Such was the scene I came upon early this morning: an adult raccoon who had been struck by a car, bleeding from her mouth, lying in the middle of a busy two-lane road. I slowed as I passed and thought I detected some movement — a twitch of her tail, perhaps. I pulled over and called Animal Control, but the dispatcher said there was nothing they could do to help a raccoon; he suggested I call the county wildlife-rescue center. No thanks, I thought; I’ll do something myself. Who knows how long before someone runs over her.
I got out of my truck and approached her carefully; she was clearly alive, the hair on her abdomen rising and falling with each breath. I silently cursed everyone who had been too busy or just too insensitive to stop for this poor creature.
There was no way I was going to leave her in the street to die, though I felt woefully unprepared to pick her up and transport her: all I had was a bath towel. What I also needed was a cardboard box, like an animal carrier you get from shelters, and some thick gloves. Draping the towel over her, I tucked the ends of the cloth under her body and gently lifted her, letting one edge of the towel fall over her eyes. She didn’t even stir as I placed her on the floor of my truck. I could only imagine the pain and fear she was suffering. I drove straight to a 24-hour pet hospital in my city, and they agreed to euthanize her. (When I offered to pay, the technician said they have a Good Samaritan policy and don’t charge for euthanizing injured wildlife. Nice.)
Perhaps people don’t stop because they don’t know what to do to help. A little preparation can go a long way, so here are a few tips:
- Know the locations and phone numbers of your local pet hospital and wildlife-rescue center.
- Keep a cardboard box with air holes (like this one) in your vehicle, as well as thick gloves and a large towel.
- Carry these items with you as you move toward the animal.
- When approaching an injured animal, move slowly and quietly; resist the urge to speak to him.
- Wearing gloves, gently lift the animal unto the towel and place him into the box and close the lid. If he won’t fit into the box, wrap him in the towel and cover his eyes.
- Back in your vehicle, keep the radio off. If it’s cold outside, leave the heater on. Don’t speak to the animal.
- Note the location where you found him. If he can be rehabilitated and released, this will help rehabilitators return him to his home territory.
Remember, even if the injured animal does not vocalize, she is scared and in pain. Drive her to your local animal hospital, animal shelter or wildlife-rescue center. If injuries are severe (which would be consistent with being struck by a car), staff will likely euthanize her. That’s not a happy ending, of course, but it’s much better than the fate that would await her lying in the street.
NOTE: PETA offers a rescue kit — including a cardboard box, leash and towel — for $14, though it doesn’t include gloves.
8 comments
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July 20, 2010 at 2:49 pm
beaelliott
A few days ago I had a similar experience… While driving on a busy four lane I saw a large turtle spinning around in circles. When I pulled over and got to where he was I saw the reason – A vehicle had clipped his back leg… It was hanging on by just a few stringy tendons. Poor guy was in a pool of blood – Obviously in the worst hell imaginable with trucks and cars speeding by and no way for him to advance an inch. 😦
Fortunately I had a towel and box in my car just for this reason. I took him to my vet and they put the poor creature out of his misery – She wouldn’t take compensation either… Now if only we could get great vets to go vegan! 😉
July 20, 2010 at 5:43 pm
mhawthorne
Poor turtle. I’m glad you were there to help, Bea. Thanks for sharing!
July 22, 2010 at 3:31 pm
urbancritter
Thanks for your compassion, both of you – it’s a huge peeve of mine when people hit an animal and keep driving. I found a dog once that had been hit – people were just standing around not knowing what to do with him and the driver was long gone. I rushed him to the local emergency animal hospital but unfortunately nothing could be done. It broke my heart but at least I thought he knew at the very end somebody cared.
July 22, 2010 at 3:58 pm
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July 29, 2010 at 9:51 am
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August 9, 2010 at 2:17 pm
WiderChange.com
Thanks for being there for her. I’ve been in the same position a few times with cats and a chicken, but thankfully never a raccoon. I keep a leash, blanket, and treats in the car. Now I think I should add some gloves and maybe a collapsible cardboard carrier!
Twice now I’ve actually witnessed the driver hitting an animal and driving off. I stayed to help the animal instead of chasing down the driver, and I didn’t have the the presence of mind to write down a license plate. In some places it’s against the law to drive off, and police might be willing to follow up if they have a license #.
August 9, 2010 at 2:48 pm
mhawthorne
Thanks for your comment. And thank you for being someone who stops to help!