pigeon rescue

[Guest guest]

Hi Kelle,

 

I'm going to post this on the list too, because it applies to all wild

animals. I volunteer at Wildcare: Terwilliger education and rehabilitation

center. We have a wildlife animal clinic that treats all orphaned or

injured wild animals. I work in the hospital and we care for *all* wild

animals, unlike some rehab centers that refuse to treat pigeons, rats,

gulls, etc.

 

The first thing to do if you find an animal in distress is to make sure it

is actually in distress. Some animals may look like they have a broken wing

or leg but are just pretending to lead you away from their nest. Other

babies may seem orphaned but the parents are nearby (seal pups and deer

fawns are often left alone while the parents look for food.)

 

If you find a sea mammal (otter, seal, sea lion, whale, etc.) call the Marin

Mammal Center right away for advice on how to proceed. They are located in

the Marin Headlands and all marine mammals are brought there for treatment.

Their number is 800-289-7325.

 

If you find another wild animal, first call Wildcare at 415-452-1000. If

they tell you to bring the animal in, call the Humane Society. Here in

Marin, they rescue all animals and bring them to Wildcare. Animals from

Oakland and SF are also brought to Wildcare. It's the closest place for

them to be treated.

 

If the Humane Society is too busy, call Wildcare for advice on how to safely

catch the animal.

 

***DO NOT ATTEMPT to catch RACOONS, BATS, FOXES, or SKUNKS. These animals

are all Rabies-vector species, which means they can carry the disease while

not actually having it themselves. If you come in contact with one, it will

have to be euthanized. Call the Humane Society immediately.******

 

The best method with most animals is to try to back the animal into a

corner or wall and throw a towel over it, making sure the head is covered.

This keeps the animal less stressed and protects you from bites. Pick up

the animal, wrapped in the towel, supporting the legs, and place it in a

cardboard or plastic carrier box with a towel in the bottom. Slowly remove

the towel from the animal as you close the box quickly.

 

This applies to many small animals (small birds, oppossums, mice), but

waterbirds like pelicans, cormorants, egrets and herons, and raptors like

hawks and owls need special handling unless extremely lethargic. Make sure

to call for advice before going near them. Most likely, you'll be told to

wait for trained handlers to arrive. You may be seriously injured if you do

not. Waterbirds use their beaks, which are EXTREMELY sharp to stab and

bite. Raptors use their claws, not their beaks, to attack and an owl can

eviscerate you very quickly if allowed to.

 

As soon as possible, bring the animal to Wildcare. Never feed or try to

treat the animal as you can do it further harm. Wildcare is located in San

Rafael at 76 Albert Park Road. Take the Central San Rafael exit off 101

North and make a left. Follow any of the numbered streets you have made a

left on (3rd, 4th, etc.) to B street. Make a left on B and follow it until

you hit Albert Park Rd. Wildcare is across from the park

 

We are open everyday from 9-5 but there is an after-hours number for

emergencies. Call the beeper and someone will call you back and pick up the

animal if needed.

 

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please e-mail me. When in

doubt, always call Wildcare for advice.

 

pikkumyy

 

Cheers!

Emily