How to Help Sick and/or Injured Wildlife

Never keep any injured wildlife or try to treat wildlife! Wildlife should never be kept as pet. See the Migratory Treaty Act for 1916 and updates.

What to Do:

1. Keep the bird in a secure, vented, and dark container.

2. Keep the container in a quiet, warm (80 – 90 degrees) and draft-free place. If the animal is very young (i.e., incompletely feathered or hairless, or eyes still closed), place a heating pad set to low underneath the container. If the bird is older, place only half of the container on the heating pad – this will allow the bird to choose its ideal temperature.

3. A quiet, non-invasive environment will reduce the stress on the bird and give it a better chance to survive. Avoid peeking in on it repeatedly.

4. DO NOT feed the bird or give it fluids.

5. Take the bird/wildlife to a qualified rehabilitator as quickly as possible. Rehabilitators are specially trained to care for sick, injured, and orphaned bird/wildlife, and the bird/wildlife’s best chance of success is with a rehabilitator

WHO TO CONTACT:

If after hours, please leave a message and they will get back to you.

Please take birds/wildlife to one of the following:

FOR Citrus Heights ONLY: Citrus Heights Animal Services will pick up and evaluate sick or injured wildlife. Call (916) 725-PETS (7387) for this service.

Gold Country Wildlife Rescue

Monday thru Sunday 8 am to 5 pm
11251 B Ave, Auburn, CA 95603
530-885-0862

Wildlife Care Association

Monday thru Sunday 8 am to 6 pm
5211 Patrol Rd, Sacramento, CA 95652
916-965-9453

Tri-County Wildlife Care

Monday thru Sunday 7 am to 7 pm
12360 Trade Center Dr, Jackson, CA 95642
209-283-3245

Only Butte, Colusa, and Glenn Counties
Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation

https://www.bidwellwildliferehab.org
Complete the form and they will contact you.

California Raptor Center

Monday thru Friday 9 am to 4 pm
Saturday 9 am to Noon
Sunday Closed
1340 Equine Ln, Davis, CA 95616
530-752-6091

El Dorado County
Sierra Wildlife Rescue:

No hours listed
777 Pleasant Valley Rd, Diamond Springs, CA 95619
Call 24/7 530-621-4661

Nevada & Yuba Counties
Wildlife Rescue & Release:

Monday thru Saturday 10 am to 2:30 pm
809 Maltman Dr, Grass Valley, CA 95945
530-432-5522

Fawns | Kindred Spirits Fawn Rescue:

530-889-5822

Bats | NorCal Bats:

530-902-1918

Other Contact Information

Placer County Animal Services:

530-886-5500

CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife:

916-653-6420
CalTIP (CDFW Tip Line):
1-888-334-CalTIP (888-334-2258)

Wildlife Disaster Network:

1-800-942-6459