Wildlife First Response

13/11/2025

I have three sets of Deer Whistles currently in stock for £8.00 per set including UK p&p.

First come, first served.

Comment below if you’d like them & can pay via PayPal. I’ll post out asap.

12/11/2025

*Roe Deer Incident at Longhaven Cliffs Nature Reserve*

Earlier today, we were called to assist with a roe deer that had become trapped in fencing along the footpath at Longhaven Cliffs Nature Reserve.

Sadly, by the time the deer was discovered by a member of the public, it had been caught for at least several hours, and the lower portion of the trapped leg had been almost completely amputated by the wire, with multiple open fractures. Despite a rapid response, the extent of the injuries and condition of the deer meant the outcome was a sad one.

This kind of incident is far from rare, over the years, we’ve been called to deer, foxes, birds of prey, garden birds, and many other species all found trapped in fencing.

We’re urging landowners, walkers, and anyone managing outdoor spaces to regularly check fencing for signs of trapped animals, and to ensure fencing is in good order to help reduce the risk of wildlife becoming entangled. Even small gaps, loose wires, or areas of disrepair can lead to tragedy.

If you find an animal caught in fencing:

1) Do not attempt to free it yourself. You could cause further injury to the animal, or even to yourself. A badly injured animal may also flee and suffer a slow, painful death.

2) If the animal is collapsed and it’s safe to do so, you may gently cover its head with a jacket or towel to help calm it.

3) Immediately contact your nearest wildlife rescue centre for assistance.

Please make sure you have the exact location ready, using What3Words is extremely helpful in allowing rescuers to find you/ the animal quickly.

Every call helps us to prevent unnecessary suffering. Thank you to the kind member of the public who raised the alarm today, your quick actions meant a more humane end for this poor deer.

*Photograph taken after euthanasia, and prior to removal from the fence*

12/11/2025

When you just didn’t see that car coming!

At this time of year we get many pheasants brought in after a collision with a car. This gorgeous male makes number 4 in care so far; all with the same symptoms of being “off legs” - often due to spinal swelling and/or spinal trauma. A course of pain relief/anti inflammatories can do the trick to get them back on their feet but sadly not all make it.

Please take care driving round country lanes especially in the early hours of the day - this is when pheasants are most active. We all know they aren’t the smartest creatures and will often run down the road instead of off it but be patient, they’ll figure it out soon enough!

12/11/2025

09/11/2025

First job of the day removing this beautiful little one from the road in Moray. Many drivers passed by and perhaps never gave another thought.

Even if Deer Whistles don’t work, surely for less than a tenner, it’s worth the effort to try?

08/11/2025

A relative bought me a Badger t-shirt!! How bloomin’ awesome is this, WFR pals!

06/11/2025

The 4m-long basking shark was discovered washed up at Portgordon, near Buckie last week.

04/11/2025

‘Deer’ friends,

It’s that time of year again when the deer population gets an absolute kicking on UK roads, particularly here in Highland.

WFR has routinely sold Deer Whistles to try to assist with this issue.

As with everything, there good & bad reports, but I have used them & never hit a deer. Many people I know use them, & they are cost-effective.

If there is demand, I will do a restock & put the whistles up here for sale.

❤️ for yes
😡 for no (just keeping it simple)

04/11/2025

Help us spread the word please so that no animals have to lose their lives to a bonfire.

That big pile of wood looks awfully like a good spot for shelter, or a sleep, if you're a wild animal in need of a safe place...

02/11/2025

So, what’s the problem with fireworks?

Well, basically everything.

Apart from willing spectators, fireworks terrify countless living individuals of every species as well as being;

An extreme form of noise pollution;

An extreme form of light pollution;

Environmental vandalism causing widespread pollution by toxic litter and emissions;

And beyond all these, which occur in every case, fireworks serve as readily available weapons for those with malicious intent to cause deliberate harm, providing a hazardous tool for mayhem and destruction. I won’t discuss or illustrate here the sickening injuries caused to cats, dogs and others by having fireworks tied to them before being lit, but it would be naïve to ignore that it happens frequently. Age restrictions and all the half-measures implemented randomly in different countries and areas are not an impediment to those with vicious intent.

There will be no effective resolution until a complete ban takes place.

My own blog from a few years back: https://theresanelephantintheroomblog.wordpress.com/2021/10/18/fireworks-harmless-fun-or-wanton-destruction/