Injured animals are usually scared, and approaching them requires caution. Anyone who wants to help an injured animal has to be well-informed to make the correct decisions and take the right approach, for their own protection as well as that of the animal in distress. Remember, even if you do the right things and believe the animal is no longer in danger, it's important to bring the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible [source:
Anti-Cruelty Society]. You may be able to save an animal's life if you take the proper steps and learn how to approach an injured animal. Here are some things to remember when approaching an injured animal:
- Make sure you and your passengers are safe. If you see an injured animal on the road, signal, and then pull over carefully. Any sudden movement on your part, even opening the car door, may scare the animal and make it run into the road [source: HSUS].
- Be cautious. An injured animal is usually scared [source: HSUS], and may bite or scratch. Make sure that you're not in danger from the unpredictable behavior of a frightened animal that may also be in pain. Move slowly and talk quietly and calmly as you approach [source: Anti-Cruelty Society].
- Wear protective gloves if the animal is biting or scratching, and wrap it in a blanket. If you think a muzzle is necessary, make sure the animal can breathe [source: Anti-Cruelty Society].
- Create a barrier, if possible, to prevent the animal from running into the road [source: HSUS].
- Do not approach an animal that is acting in a threatening way. In this case call an animal control agency or the police [source: HSUS]. //]]]]> ]]>