What to do when you find animals in fire affected areas of the Western Cape Mountains

Although non-human animals may seem injured or disoriented, most are capable of moving to safety and recovering on their own. Even well-meant interference can cause extreme stress, further injury or even death. They may endanger people.

Only trained, authorized individuals and facilities with the proper permits are legally allowed to handle, transport, or rehabilitate wild animals, as required by environmental legislation. Taking wildlife without authorization is illegal, regardless of intent.

Volunteers can join permitted agencies to help immediately after fires to track injured animal.

What to do if you encounter wildlife affected by fire:

If you encounter wildlife that is injured, trapped or in immediate danger because of a wildfire:

• Keep a safe distance and ensure people and pets do not interfere
• Unless the animal is in danger, do not attempt to feed or move the animal
• Observe and note the location (GPS/Pin location if possible)
• Species identification
• Description of the injuries to the animal

Who to Call:

• CapeNature Regional Offices:
  • Cederberg: 082 455 5569
  • Cape Peninsula: 072 592 3517 until 14 January and 076 103 4615 onwards
  • Boland and Kogelberg: 082 785 1045
  • Witzenberg: 082 784 7173
  • Overstrand: 087 087 3841 / 071 999 5348
  • Langeberg: 087 087 3895 / 082 496 2449
  • Paarl: 087 087 4170
  • Garden Route: 044 802 5300/ 087 087 3037
  • Karoo: 087 087 3002
• SPCA Offices:
  • Beaufort West: 072 847 7312
  • Cape of Good Hope: 021 700 4140 / 083 26 1604
  • Franschhoek: 083 745 5344 / 083 745 5344
  • Garden Route – George – Mossel Bay: 044 878 1990/3 / 082 378 7384
  • Paarl: 021 863 2720 082 510 6387
  • Swartland – Darling – Vredenburg: 022 492 2781 / 082 414 7153
  • Swellendam: 028 514 2083 / 084 737 1948
  • Wellington: 021 864 3726 / 082 905 9184
  • Winelands: 023 615 2241 / 071 025 7805