Global Animal Guide

Wildlife Questions

What to do when you meet wildlife — found a baby bird, a hedgehog out by day, or a fox in the garden — plus how to identify British species.

15 questions · Last updated: June 2026

Found an animal? What to do

I found a baby bird — what should I do?

Most feathered fledglings don't need rescuing; here's how to tell, and when to step in.

Found a baby bird →

How can I help a hedgehog?

Offer fresh water and meaty pet food, leave safe shelter, and learn the daytime warning signs.

How to help a hedgehog →

Why is a hedgehog out in the daytime?

A hedgehog active in daylight is often unwell or in trouble and may need a wildlife rescue's help.

How to help a hedgehog →

Is a fox in my garden dangerous?

Urban foxes very rarely pose a threat to people; risks to pets are low and manageable.

Fox in your garden →

Identify British wildlife

What birds of prey live in the UK?

Buzzards, red kites, kestrels, sparrowhawks and more — learn to tell the UK's raptors apart.

Birds of prey ID →

How do I tell a crow from a raven?

Ravens are bigger with a wedge-shaped tail and deeper croak; crows are smaller with a fan tail and harsher caw.

Crows ID guide →

What fox sound am I hearing?

Screams, contact barks and 'gekkering' chatter all mean different things — here's how to tell them apart.

Fox sounds guide →

Which woodpeckers live in the UK?

Great spotted, green and lesser spotted are the UK's three breeding woodpeckers — here's how to ID each.

UK woodpeckers ID →

How do I identify British butterflies?

From red admirals to peacocks and gatekeepers, learn the wing patterns that tell the UK's common butterflies apart.

British butterflies ID →

What caterpillar have I found?

Colour, hairs and host plant all help — here's how to identify common UK caterpillars and which become which butterfly or moth.

Caterpillar ID guide →

Wildlife & conservation

How can I help wildlife from home?

Wildlife-friendly gardens, mindful choices and supporting reputable charities all add up — here's where to start.

Help wildlife from home →

What makes an animal endangered?

Habitat loss, hunting, invasive species, disease and climate change drive species toward extinction.

What makes an animal endangered →

What is the IUCN Red List?

The Red List is the global benchmark that grades each species from Least Concern to Critically Endangered.

Understanding the IUCN Red List →

Which animals have been saved from extinction?

From the bald eagle to the giant panda, focused conservation has pulled several species back from the brink.

Animals saved from extinction →

What would happen if bees disappeared?

Bees pollinate a huge share of the crops we eat, so their loss would ripple through food supplies and wild ecosystems alike.

What if bees disappeared →

More answers