Rescuing wild animals in distress requires a unique set of skills, very different from those used in handling domestic animals. The equipment, degree of handling, the type of caging and level of care a wild animal receives can mean the difference between life and death. Wildlife Search and Rescue is a comprehensive guide on 'best practices' and suggested standards for response to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. This valuable resource covers the fundamentals of wildlife rescue, from 'phone to field', including safe and successful capture strategies, handling and restraint techniques and initial aid. Wildlife Search and Rescue is a must have for anyone interested in knowing what to do when they are face to face with a wild animal in need, or for anyone involved in animal rescue. While Wildlife Search and Rescue focuses on wildlife native to North America, much of the information and many of the techniques are applicable to other species, including domestic dogs and cats.
Foreword
Preface
1. Overview of Wildlife Rescue
2. Characterizing Wildlife Search and Rescue
3. Laws and Regulations Governing Wildlife Rescue in the U.S.
4. Code of Practice
5. The Components of Wildlife Search and Rescue
6. Anatomy of a Response Team
7. Overview of Wildlife Capture Equipment
8. Capturing, Handling, and Confinement of Wild Birds
9. Capturing, Handling, and Confinement of Land Mammals
10. Capturing, Handling of Reptiles and Amphibians
11. Marine Mammal Rescue
12. Basic First Aid and Stabilization
13. Transporting Wildlife
14. Field Euthanasia
15. Life, Liberty, and Euthanasia
16. Rescuing Baby Birds and land Mammals
17. Reuniting, Renesting, and Wild-fostering
18. Offering Public Service
Index
In the last thirty years, Rebecca Dmytryk has become a leading authority in wildlife rescue having been on the front lines of some of the largest wildlife recovery missions, including the Gulf Oil Spill. From her office in Monterey, California she and her husband, Duane Titus operate WildRescue, offering around the clock response to emergencies involving wildlife and serving all of California with a state-of-the-art toll-free wildlife hotline.