This basic wildlife rescue kit comes in handy in many situations:

• Start with a sturdy cardboard box or plastic travel crate to contain injured animals. Seriously, never, ever transport an uncontained wild animal in your vehicle. Stunned animals can wake up.

• Use a sheet or towel over the animal to capture it and move it into the box or crate. It's also handy to cover the box or crate once the animal is inside. However, make sure there is some ventilation so the animal can breathe.

• Protective gloves. We recommend heavy leather gloves because all animals can bite and scratch. Be especially careful with "rabies vector" species like bats, skunks, and raccoons. If you are accidentally bitten you must seek immediate treatment at an emergency room. Plus, the animal must be killed and tested for rabies (even if it does not appear to be sick).

• Pro tip: put on eyeglasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes. This is especially for animals like great blue herons; their beaks are basically spears. Safety glasses or goggles are even better.
  
  

Bonus Items:

• Flashlight, head lamp, heavy tape, wire cutters, scissors, goggles or safety glasses, heavy long-sleeve shirt to protect your arms.