The most important thing you can do to help wild animals is to preserve their habitats. Buy products that are sustainable, such as recycled paper, and avoid those made with harmful chemicals or animal by-products.

Trash left behind is harmful to wildlife, from choking hazards to ecosystem pollution. Pick up trash when you are out in nature.

Helping the Wild Animals

Many animals die in the wild due to natural disasters, food shortages and human activities. The gloom-and-doom news can make the situation seem hopeless, but there are things we can do to help wildlife on a large and small scale.

One of the most important things we can do is to respect wildlife and keep a safe distance from them. We should also avoid building anything near them, such as compost heaps and log piles which can cause animals to be trapped or injured. If we build a fire in the woods, we should carefully check the site to ensure there are no animals inside before setting it alight.

We should also plant shrubbery that wildlife can use for shelter in winter – holly, cotoneasters and firethorns are some examples. We should avoid invasive species, too, as they can wreck havoc on native plants and animal populations. We can also encourage biodiversity by visiting zoos, national parks and other wildlife refuges.

Preserving their Habitats

Providing wildlife with healthy habitats is one of the most important things humans can do to help wild animals. Habitat destruction is the number one threat to endangered species, and it can be prevented by preserving natural habitats, including wetlands, forests and prairies.

Planting native plants in your yard or on any land you own is a great way to help preserve local wildlife habitats. This helps to keep invasive species out, which can cause problems for native wildlife. It also provides a source of food for local creatures. Avoid feeding wildlife, and always secure trash in animal-resistant containers when camping or hiking. Wildlife can get caught in plastic six-pack rings and other debris, and many species die from this.

Supporting conservation organizations is another important thing to do. You can donate to groups that fight against animal cruelty, hunting, and habitat destruction. You can even adopt a wildlife, which helps to fund its care and research.

Preventing Water Pollution

Water pollution is a serious issue that threatens the survival of wild animals. Rising global temperatures heat up waters, reducing oxygen and causing an unbridled proliferation of phytoplankton in lakes (eutrophication). Chemical dumping from agriculture and industry can also pollute water, especially rivers and seas.

The good news is that anyone can help conserve wildlife habitat, even on a small scale. Preserving natural habitats by avoiding pollutants and by not cutting down trees is one way.

You can also help by donating to animal organizations and visiting accredited zoos and nature reserves. Paying the recommended entry fee ensures that these parks and reserves can be maintained for future generations. Never buy wildlife products, such as ivory and tortoise shells, which only clog the pockets of poachers.

Providing Water to the Wild Animals

In arid areas, where limited rainfall and droughts devastate wildlife, we try to help by providing permanent and temporary water sources. While surface water, such as puddles and raindrops on leaves or grass, provides much of the water used by wildlife, animals also get water from their food sources like plants and other animals.

Even on a small scale, humans can help by leaving out shallow dishes of fresh water in their yards or gardens to provide drinking and bathing opportunities for wildlife. Just remember to keep the dishes clean and replace them regularly.

In addition, preserving natural water sources in your area and preventing pollution of those water sources are also important for the health of wild animals. And always respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance from them and not handling them. If you do see an animal in distress, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice. They will know how to best handle the situation safely and humanely.