[Amoeba]

Faced with mortal danger, humans are merely animals themselves with an instinct to survive. I'd say no, I would not put my life on the line for an animal if I assessed the risk was too great just the same as for a human.

In many cases, there are always people better trained than myself to help the trapped or injured. They may not always be around or close by however, in which case I would assess whether or not it would be a help or a hindrance to step in. In some cases, it's just better to leave well alone and wait for trained personnel to do their work else perhaps cause more damage yourself than good. I think intuition will tell you whether you can help or not.

It is frustrating to see the destruction of wildlife where there is no help though, but it's the same case - I can't step in if the risk is too great. I wouldn't go out and stop chavs from chopping down the trees like they do around here because they'd probably take their saw and use it on me. What use would I be to the world if I'm permanently disabled from having my tendons cut... or at worst dead? Calling the police is about as much as I can do, unfortunately they don't always respond.

I don't really see anything valiant or brave about risking one's life for wildlife, or anyone else for that matter, when it is clearly beyond your means (for example, storming at the group of armed chavs arms flailing and placing yourself between them and the tree is a recipe for homicide or at best assault). It's better to bide your time until you are trained in a position of power to be able to help, rather than help when you're unable to and lose this one chance at life.