We recently received an ocelot at the Clinic showing no vital signs. It had been run over by a car. According to a witness, the perpetrator got off his car, took out his cell phone and took pictures, got back in his car and left the agonizing animal under the midday sun. Sure, ocelots are dangerous animals and could do a lot of harm. Rather than taking photos, it would be more humane to make a call to MINAET or a veterinarian to get some help.
If we hit an animal and want to help it, we risk being bitten or hurt with their claws since that is their defense reflex.
The first thing to do is try to put it inside a ventilated box or container that will restrain it until the veterinary can take care of it. We can better manipulate it by taking it from the tail; hind limbs, or a fold of skin, like when we pick up a puppy. We can also offer a good size branch for it to hold on. If we do not have a box, we can use a blanket, throwing it over it preferably over its head. This is especially important when we are dealing with birds, particularly with an owl or an eagle since their beak and claws are extremely dangerous.
I hope this article raises awareness about the wounded animals we find on the roads, and the way in which we must react in such cases.
See you around.
INFO: Dr. Vet. Fernando Riera S.
