InformationWildlife Information

Avian Influenza

Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 is still prevalent in the UK and all captive bird and poultry keepers should remain vigilant. Practising good biosecurity will help to prevent the spread of the disease.

Please do not touch or pick up dead or visibly sick wild birds. Avian Influenza is a zoonotic disease which means humans can contract it if they come into direct contact with an infected bird.

If you suspect a bird has contracted Avian Influenza or died from it, you should contact DEFRA. Details of legal requirements for poultry keepers, signs & symptoms of H5N1 and how to report suspected cases can be found on GOV.UK.

Injured and sick wildlife

If you find an injured or ill animal, you should contact a wildlife rescue charity for advice or assistance. Try not to handle the animal too much and always put your safety first, especially if tending to an animal at the roadside.

There are several wildlife rescue charities in the region:

• RSPCA - 0300 1234 999
• North Devon Animal Ambulance - 07817 995751
• Secret World Wildlife Rescue – 01278 78325
• ELM Wildlife Hedgehog Rescue (Newton Abbott) - 07971 276658

Marine life strandings and injuries.

Live strandings of marine animals and injuries should be reported to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) immediately. Stay away from the animal and DO NOT attempt to re-float a stranded animal.

BDMLR can be contacted on 01825 765546 during office hours or on 07787 433412 out of office hours.

If you find a dead marine animal, please call Devon Wildlife Trust on 07719 086531 or email strandings@devonwildlifetrust.org. Please stay away from deceased animals and keep dogs away from carcasses.

East Devon District Council will collect dead, large marine animals (for example, dolphins) and large collections of other marine animals (but not single birds or fish) from the following beaches only:

• Exmouth (not Sandy Bay)
• Budleigh Salterton
• Sidmouth
• Beer
• Seaton

Disturbance of marine life should be reported to the Coastguard. If it is an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Wildlife Crime

If you witness a wildlife crime taking place, call 999. For a non-emergency, call 101. If you would prefer to give information regarding a crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Not sure if you have witnessed wildlife crime? You can find detailed information on the different types of wildlife crime.

Foxes

Foxes are not pests but are defined as wild animals in the context of the law. To trap or injure foxes is a wildlife crime offence.

The fox is a member of the dog family. They are mainly active at night and usually shelter and breed below ground in an ‘earth’ or a ‘den’.

Foxes breed once a year, with cubs being born during March and April with an average litter size of four or five.

Foxes eat a wide range of foodstuffs. Their diet includes small mammals, insects, earthworms, fruit, and vegetables and in more urban areas they scavenge on food waste.

Foxes can sometimes cause an inconvenience, particularly in urban areas and where their exposure to hustle and bustle causes them to become used to living in closer proximity to or approaching humans.

Dealing with problems you may have with foxes starts by seeking advice from organisations who are experts in the behaviour and care of foxes. Solving problems with foxes is not about eradicating them but learning to live with them safely and by using non-harmful deterrents.

The Fox Project are a charity dedicated to the red fox and whilst their ambulatory and rescue services do not cover the South-West of England, they have a team of experts who can offer advice and a website packed with helpful information.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) provides comprehensive guidance on urban foxes and their management.

We will collect dead animals (for example, foxes, badgers, deer, dogs and cats) found on public highways, verges or other public land.  We don't collect from private land.

Bees, Wasps and Hornets

Please see our Pest Control pages for further information.