Grim photos have shown the horror injuries wildlife can sustain from everyday garden sporting and leisure equipment.
The Scottish SPCA has warned people over the dangers kit including football nets and hot tubs pose to visiting wildlife.
It comes as the animal welfare charity received a surge in calls to rescue wildlife, including hedgehogs, foxes, and birds, found injured in gardens.
Some of the animals' injuries were so severe they had to be put to sleep or died before they could be rescued in time.
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, Amy Stirton, said: “Of course, we want the public to enjoy themselves this summer but now that the nice weather has hit people are spending more time doing activities in their gardens and this can cause problems for wildlife."
Amy revealed that she recently attended call outs where young birds nearly drowned in paddling pools and hot tubs.
She adds that hedgehogs and fox cubs are at risk of becoming trapped in football netting.
Amy continued: “Recently I’ve attended jobs where fledglings have been stuck in paddling pools and hot tubs.
“The birds have nearly drowned and are hypothermic by the time they are found. They then have to be taken to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre to recover from being waterlogged, or have heartbreakingly had to be put to sleep.
“I have also attended incidents of hedgehogs and a fox cub becoming trapped in football netting.
“Hedgehogs have been quite regular visitors to gardens over the last few weeks. Sadly only one survived their ordeal.
"Another was dead on arrival as it had been strangled by the net, and three have had to be put to sleep due to the extent of their injuries despite our best efforts to save them.
“Luckily the fox cub I rescued hadn’t been caught in the net long enough for the netting to cut in, however there is still a risk of compartment syndrome once they are freed. The cub is still receiving on going treatment.
“I even attended a magpie rescue where a bird had got stuck in a barbeque. The poor thing had managed to completely de-glove its leg trying to get out, which would have been very painful and distressing for the bird.
“Simply tidying away any football and badminton netting, fishing equipment, paddling pools and securing hot tubs could be the difference between life and death for some of Scotland’s wildlife.
“Please enjoy the summer months, but please also be vigilant so that visiting wildlife can too.
“If anyone does discover any injured wildlife, please contact our helpline immediately on 03000 999 999.”
