3OB Capture and Restraint

Wildlife rehabber Lisa Tridiak explains capture and restraint techniques for songbirds, raptors, waterfowl and mammals, covering safety, heat/cold management and equipment.

Key Takeaways

Plan every capture around the animal's species behavior, the rescue goal and safety for all involved.
Manage temperature stress in both heat and cold, and avoid drafts or overheating.
Use minimal, species-appropriate restraint and always monitor breathing and stress.
Inspect and prepare equipment and environment hazards before each rescue.
Practice handling techniques, such as catch poles or scruffing, on pets before using them in the field.

What the video covers

Presenter Lisa Tridiak, a Winnipeg wildlife rehabber with 26+ years of experience, introduces capture and restraint as a core rehab skill.
Method choice should consider safety for the handler, animal and bystanders, species behavior (diurnal vs nocturnal, defensive tendencies) and the rescue goal.
Ambient temperature and humidity matter; early morning rescues are preferred, and heat/cold stress must be managed with misting, towels, airflow, or warming aids.
Environmental and clinic hazards such as roads, fences, power lines, netting, nails, windows and falls must be identified and mitigated.
Restraint should be minimal and never too tight; one person should monitor the animal's breathing and stress signs throughout.
Species-specific breathing needs matter: birds need chest expansion and open bills, mammals can overheat under blankets, amphibians exchange gas through skin.
Good planning includes requesting photos from the finder, bringing extra equipment, and inspecting nets and gear for tears before each rescue.
Protective equipment includes gloves (Kevlar, welder's), eye protection, hats, towels, vet wrap, and species-specific hoods or muzzles.
Demonstrated techniques include the birder's grip for small birds, handling raptors by the legs with a towel or hood, the football hold for waterfowl, and neck control for cormorants.
Small mammals may be handled with gloves or scruffing (requires skill), while large or aggressive mammals call for catch poles and possibly veterinary sedation.

Chapters

What factors should be considered before choosing a capture method?

The presenter advises considering safety for the handler, animal and bystanders, the species' normal behavior, whether it is nocturnal or diurnal, and the goal of the capture, such as reuniting ducklings or treating an injury.

How can temperature stress be managed during a wildlife capture?

In heat, rescuers can mist animals with cool water, cover them with towels, and ensure airflow for panting or sweating. In cold weather, they should avoid drafts, insulate carriers, and use safe warming devices like heated rice bags or hot water bottles.

Which restraint technique is used for small birds?

The birder's grip is demonstrated, with the index and middle fingers placed on either side of the bird's head to control the shoulders while allowing examination of the wings and body.