When it comes to rehabilitating injured wild animals, is it worth the effort, or should we just let nature take its course?

Those who take care of wounded wildlife remind us that most animal injuries result from human activity. Millions of birds hit windows, power lines and fences every year, or are killed by feral cats. Other animals are hurt by traps, guns, poisons and cars. To put it into perspective, more animals reportedly die on highways in one night than are freed by wildlife caregivers, or rehabilitators, in a single year. To many wildlife rehabilitators, the aid they provide serves as compensation for the human damage done.

Rehabilitators also educate the public about the needs of wildlife and the dangers these animals face. When people can gauge how their actions impact the world around them, is it possible we will all be better off?