Sadly illegal persecution of wildlife continues in our area. Here is some useful information about what you can do to help by reporting wildlife crime or suspicious activity relating to illegal wildlife persecution.
Reporting Wildlife Crime
If you witness a wildlife crime taking place:
Immediately call 999 and ask to speak to a Wildlife Crime Officer.
Tell them what you have seen and where, ask for an incident number and if you feel safe to do so, try to take photos or record a video as evidence.
Non-emergency reporting
If you see something you think is suspicious – such as an illegal trap or suspected poisoned bait – please call 101 (the national non-emergency number) to report it to the police and ask for an incident number. Please also take photos or record a video of what you have seen, if safe to do so.
If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or alternatively send them a report via their online form.
Additionally, once reported to the police, please contact us to let us know too. You can call us on 0114 263 4335 or email mail@wildsheffield.com.
Working with South Yorkshire Police’s Wildlife Crime Unit
We will act on any reports we receive about potential wildlife crime and work with South Yorkshire Police’s Wildlife Crime Unit to ensure any identified issues are appropriately followed up. You can contact us by calling 0114 263 4335 or by email at mail@wildsheffield.com.
Trees, hedgerows and active bird nests
Felling of trees or hedgerows with active birds nests or protected species present is a wildlife crime. For more information about this issue, click here.
Persecution of badgers
South Yorkshire Badger Group can help regarding persecution of badgers. They have information about this on their website and you can also find their contact details here.
Dead or injured birds of prey
If you want to report a dead or injured bird or prey, or wish to highlight a nesting bird of prey you have found, contact the Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group.
Reporting wildfires
Find out what to do if you see fire, smoke, or people using open flames in the countryside, on nature reserves or green spaces at our wildfire safety advice page.
Injured or distressed animals
There are a number of local organisations and groups who will help care for injured or distressed animals. If the incident is related to wildlife crime please do report it first, then take a look at our list of local wildlife rescue centres.