Finding an injured or sick wild bird can be distressing. If you come across a bird in San Francisco that is clearly hurt or unwell, here are the steps you should take to get it the care it needs.
Assess the Situation
The first thing to do upon finding an injured or ill bird is to quickly assess the situation. Look at the surrounding area – is the bird in a dangerous location like the middle of a road? If so, you may need to very carefully move it somewhere safer before proceeding.
Next, observe the condition of the bird from a distance. Is it bleeding or have any visible wounds? Does it seem weak, unstable or unable to put weight on its legs? Is it exhibiting any strange behaviors like head tilting, walking in circles, seizures, etc? Making note of any visible symptoms will be helpful for when you contact wildlife rescue.
Resist the urge to try feeding or medicating the bird. While your intentions are good, this can inadvertently do more harm in many cases. It’s best to leave rehabilitation to the wildlife experts.
Call a Wildlife Rescue Organization
Once you’ve quickly assessed that the bird truly does require help, the next step is to contact a wildlife rehabilitation organization. There are a few options in the San Francisco area:
- San Francisco SPCA Wildlife Rescue – 415-554-9400
- WildCare in San Rafael – 415-456-7283
- International Bird Rescue in Fairfield – 707-207-0380
When you call, be ready to provide the following information:
- Your full name and contact details like phone number or address
- The exact location where you found the injured bird
- The approximate size and species of the bird, if known
- A description of the bird’s condition, symptoms and any visible injuries
- If the bird seems to require immediate rescue versus a non-emergency pick-up
Provide as many clear details as possible so the wildlife rescue organization can determine the appropriate next steps.
Wait for the Wildlife Rescue Team
The wildlife rescue organization will dispatch a trained team as quickly as possible. However, keep in mind that because they cover entire regions, it may take some time for them to reach you. It’s crucial that you remain with the bird until help arrives.
As you wait, keep monitoring the bird from a safe distance. Do not try touching, feeding or medicating it. Also attempt to keep pets, children and other people away to avoid stressing the animal further. You can place a box gently over the bird if needed to contain it, but do not restrain it or restrict its movement.
If the location is unsafe, you may need to move the bird a very short distance. Use thick gloves, scoop it gently into a ventilated box or carrier lined with a soft cloth, and move it somewhere quiet and sheltered like under a bush.
Transfer the Bird to the Rescue Team
Finally, when the wildlife rescue team arrives, you can officially transfer custody of the bird to them. They will be equipped with thick gloves, nets, carriers and other gear to safely contain and transport the animal back to their rehabilitation facility.
Provide any additional details about where and how you found the bird, its condition, etc. This info will be critical for its treatment and recovery plan.
Thank the rescue team for their lifesaving work! Although it’s hard to see an animal in distress, you’ve helped this bird get a second chance by alerting wildlife rescue. Your act of care can go a long way in its recovery.
Other Tips for Reporting Injured Wildlife in San Francisco
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when coming across injured or ill wildlife in San Francisco:
- Always contact wildlife rescue first before intervening yourself. Experts can advise if rescue is needed.
- Handle birds minimally and using thick gloves to avoid damaging sensitive feathers.
- Keep pets indoors so they don’t disturb the animal.
- Use a box lined with a soft cloth rather than your bare hands to contain the bird if moving it.
- Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet space while waiting for rescue.
- Do not attempt to give food, water or medications.
- Monitor from a distance so you don’t stress the bird.
- Keep children and crowds away from the area.
Using these tips can help make for the smoothest rescue and recovery for the bird. The key is contacting licensed wildlife rehabilitators immediately to get professional guidance.
Where to Get Help for Injured Wildlife in Other Parts of the San Francisco Bay Area
If you find an injured or ill wild animal in another part of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, here are some rescue/rehab organizations that can assist:
City/County | Wildlife Rescue Organization | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Belmont | California Wildlife Center | 650-578-7740 |
Berkeley | Lindsay Wildlife Experience | 925-935-1978 |
Contra Costa County | Lindsay Wildlife Experience | 925-935-1978 |
Fairfield | International Bird Rescue | 707-207-0380 |
Marin County | WildCare | 415-456-7283 |
Monterey County | SPCA for Monterey County | 831-264-5427 |
Napa County | Napa Wildlife Rescue | 707-224-0998 |
Oakland | Oakland Zoo | 510-632-9525 |
Palo Alto | Palo Alto Animal Services | 650-496-5971 |
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA | Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA | 650-340-7022 |
San Jose | Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center | 408-262-2133 |
San Rafael | WildCare | 415-456-7283 |
Santa Clara County | Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley | 408-929-9453 |
Santa Cruz County | Native Animal Rescue | 831-462-0726 |
Sonoma County | Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue | 707-994-5800 |
Walnut Creek | Lindsay Wildlife Experience | 925-935-1978 |
No matter where you are in the greater Bay Area, there is a wildlife rehabilitation center available to help rescued native animals. Call for guidance whenever you encounter injured or sick wildlife.
When to Call Animal Control vs Wildlife Rescue
When you find an injured animal, how do you know whether to contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation organization? Here are some tips:
- Call animal control for: Domestic pets like dogs, cats, domesticated farm animals.
- Call wildlife rescue for: Wild animals like birds, raccoons, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, foxes, coyotes, etc.
Animal control deals with domestic animals and livestock, while wildlife rehabilitators have special permits and training for handling native wild species. Make sure to contact the right organization for the type of animal in need.
How to Avoid Injuring Birds and Other Wildlife
While rescuing sick or wounded birds is important, it’s ideal to avoid creating hazardous situations that put birds and other wildlife at risk of harm in the first place. Here are some tips for being mindful and preventing injuries:
- Drive carefully and watch for birds and other animals crossing roads.
- Keep cats indoors, as free-roaming cats often prey on birds.
- Prevent window collisions by applying special decals.
- Choose bird-friendly glass when constructing buildings.
- Keep trash cleaned up so animals aren’t tempted to rummage.
- Only use legal pesticides and use minimally.
- Dispose of fishing gear properly to avoid entangling wildlife.
- Leave baby animals alone, as parents are often nearby still caring for them.
Being attentive and proactive can go a long way in creating a safer environment for San Francisco’s diverse wildlife populations.
How to Live Harmoniously with Urban Wildlife
In a dense urban environment like San Francisco, there are bound to be encounters with local wildlife on occasion. Here are some tips for peacefully coexisting:
- Never feed wild animals, as it can lead to dependence and aggression.
- Don’t leave pet food outdoors, which can attract critters.
- Secure garbage in animal-proof bins and only put out on collection day.
- Cover window wells and block any exterior openings that animals could enter.
- Fill holes, remove brush piles and trim vegetation that wildlife could hide/nest in near your home.
- Use motion-activated lights and sprinklers to deter unwanted visitors.
- Plant wildlife-repelling plants like lavender, thyme, sage near doors/windows.
- Use humane exclusion methods like one-way doors to evict animals from homes.
- Be tolerant of your wild neighbors and contact rescue if needed.
With some simple practices, we can find compromise and reduce conflicts with the nature sharing our habitat.
How to Safely Transport an Injured Bird in a Box
If an injured bird must be contained and moved while waiting for wildlife rescue, using a secure box is key. Here are some tips for safe transport:
- Use a sturdy cardboard box or animal carrier with air holes.
- Line it with a soft t-shirt or cloth – avoid loose strings/fibers.
- Gently scoop up bird with thick gloves or cloth – limit direct handling.
- Securely close box but don’t restrict air circulation.
- Keep box in cool, quiet, dark place as you wait for rescue.
- Check periodically that bird is breathing and not in distress.
- Write your name/number and bird details on the box exterior.
- Hand over to wildlife rehabilitators for professional care.
Safe containment is crucial for stabilizing an injured bird until licensed experts can provide medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Signs a Bird Needs Rescue or Rehabilitation
How can you tell if an urban bird is in legitimate need of rescue? Here are some common signs:
- Visibly injured – bleeding, broken wing/leg, wounds
- Hooked by fishing line, rope, netting, etc.
- Hit by car or collided with window
- Soiled or matted feathers
- Weak, unable to stand or fly
- Tangled in branches, debris, glue trap, etc.
- Cornered/chased by predatory animal
- Seizing or exhibiting neurological issues
- Orphaned baby birds fallen from nest
Birds that display any of these warning signs are likely in distress and need professional wildlife rehabilitation. When in doubt, call for guidance.
How Rehabilitated Birds are Released Back to the Wild
Wild birds that recover at rehabilitation centers eventually get released back into their natural habitats. This process involves:
- Full recovery and ability to eat, fly and behave normally.
- A soft release in an outdoor enclosure to acclimate.
- Assessing readiness by observing if the bird can find food and shelter.
- Releasing during ideal weather and time of day for that species.
- Selecting a suitable habitat where others of their species exist.
- Quietly opening cage or enclosure door and allowing bird to leave voluntarily.
- Continued post-release monitoring when possible.
The goal is a gradual, stress-free return to the wild that gives the rehabilitated bird the best chance of survival.
Conclusion
Discovering an injured or ill bird can be alarming, but there are clear steps you can take to maximize its chances. Quickly contact an accredited wildlife rescue organization for guidance. Follow their instructions to safely contain the bird until the experts arrive. Avoid intervening on your own, as rehabilitation should be left to licensed wildlife professionals. With care and compassion, you’ll be helping San Francisco’s wild birds recover and take flight once again.