'Well-meaning' damage to wildlife

The charity hand-reared young hedgehogs found in the wild

Wildlife campaigners are appealing to the public not to take in orphaned animals during the spring.

Last year, East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance dealt with 500 incidents, co-ordinator Trevor Weeks said.

He said people's well-meaning actions could leave animals "sick, ill, or deformed", in the wrong environment and without basic survival skills.

The charity said specialist carers were able to reduce suffering and return casualties to the wild.

"Every year, WRAS has to pick up the pieces after young birds and orphaned animals have been either tamed, released into the wrong environment, or have poor survival skills due to being reared on their own.

"Some well-meaning members of the public can do more harm then good by trying to 'go it alone'."

He said people without specialist knowledge lacked vital information, such as that a lively bird or animal is not necessarily healthy or fit, and hyperactivity can be a result of illness or injury.

Mr Weeks added that abandoned or orphaned animals often needed specific food and medication, special heaters and extensive care.

"All our carers work closely with other more specialist carers to ensure they are doing the right thing," he said.

Last year, the charity worked with wildlife ranging from seagulls to young deer.