Wild animals, helped along by the long periods of lockdown, have often become a constant presence in urban settings too. Turtle doves, magpies, crows, right through to foxes and even wolves, bears and wild boar. These are all different species that humans are not used to and do not know well in their intrinsic nature. And it is precisely this lack of knowledge that leads to mistakes and incorrect behaviour that can become dangerous both for us and for wildlife. On the subject, we asked the opinion of Dr Chiara Crotti, wildlife biologist, at Eliante cooperative, which works in environmental protection and has for years been running concrete projects to teach people who live and work in alpine environments how to coexist safely with wild animals.

Young wild animals: how to behave if we find them

During a walk even on the outskirts of a city at this time of year, you may come across young wild animals that appear to need help and protection. What should you do? "At this time of year it is easy to come across chicks of various bird species: from little owls to blackbirds, from tits to sparrows, all birds found even in city parks and green areas not far from residential centres. During walks through hills, woods and mountains, young roe deer, red deer and hares are also frequently spotted. It is important to understand that in most cases there is no need to intervene. As far as nestlings are concerned, it is right to help only when the young bird is in real danger — for example if it is visibly injured or in the middle of a particularly busy area. In the first case the chick can be picked up; in the second, it will be enough to move it to a quieter spot. Young hares and roe deer, on the other hand, should never be touched: they may appear abandoned, but they are usually just waiting for their parents," explains Chiara Crotti.

The young of these species are, in fact, born with no scent at all, as a means of protecting themselves from predators. Coming into contact with them can lead the parents to abandon them: when they approach the young animal, they will smell our scent and stop recognising it as their own. It is of course also wrong to move them from the area where they are found, as they could permanently lose contact with their mother and father and, at that point, would be doomed to certain death.

In metropolitan areas it is possible to encounter a great many wild species. "In addition to many bird species, depending on the area we find rabbits, hares, pheasants, foxes and stone martens. When turtle doves, swallows and bats nest near homes, coexistence can become difficult. The advice, therefore, is to leave the wild animals where they have chosen to settle, and at most to protect the area below with wooden boards," the expert concludes.

What to do if you find an injured wild animal

What should you do if you find a wild animal that is suffering or has a serious problem? "An injured animal should be placed inside a cardboard box while you get in touch with the rescue services. It is generally advisable not to feed it, but simply to make water available. As a rule, injured animals should be kept somewhere dry, sheltered, dark and as quiet as possible," says Dr Crotti.

Depending on the area, you can contact the various Cras (wildlife rescue centres) or the provincial police. Other useful contacts are the local branches of Wwf, Lipu and Enpa. It is important to remember that keeping wildlife in captivity is a criminal offence and that only an expert can truly help an injured wild animal, thereby making its return to the wild possible.

An important chapter must be devoted to excursions into the countryside, hills and mountains in the company of one's own dogs. "Let us always remember that keeping dogs on a lead is compulsory, and that any dog, however well-behaved, can turn into a potential predator. Our four-legged friends often prey on or injure other animals in play, without truly realising what they are doing. Domestic dogs have also lost the natural instinct of wolves to kill quickly, and so can inflict very painful injuries on both livestock and wildlife. For this reason it is essential not to let them roam free in the wild, especially in the mountains," Chiara Crotti concludes.

In short, even when it comes to wild animals, common sense and respect are essential for peaceful and harmonious coexistence. A coexistence that must never disregard knowledge of the world and the species that surround us in nature.