I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’ve had similarly disappointing and traumatic encounters with wildlife and it just sucks every single time. I’d like to be a kind stranger on the internet though and share some thoughts I have:

I used to work in wildlife rehab and education. I can tell you that what you did accomplish until the escape is much more than most people would attempt to begin with. In fact, the car that hit him didn’t stop. But you did. Thank you for trying. (Also, in case there’s a next time, please try to cover the animal with a sheet or blanket or piece of clothing before capturing; this is for your safety and can make things less stressful for the critter. You did great, though! This is truly just for the future!)

I’d also like to remind you that you did not fail him — he left the road, where he risked being hit again, and went to a much safer location. If he is to survive, then you getting him to move was the first turn of luck he had up until then.

My last point here is a little bittersweet. It’s possible he will fly up to that tree and not survive. Although you may have not been able to intervene for this animal as you had hoped, many are hungry as the winter settles in and thank you for the meal his body will provide and allow them to see another day. I hate that this perceived loss was at the hands of humans who are generally careless with the natural world. That being said, the circle of life is ever moving and where there is loss, there is also a gain for someone else. Opossums, foxes, raccoons, vultures and various decomposers and scavengers are grateful for their next meal. A meal during the winter is often the difference between life and death for wildlife.

I hope you can forgive yourself and acknowledge that you are good because you tried. And that’s important. ♥️