To contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area:
- Go to our new list of volunteer wildlife rehabilitators by county.
- Or call your local game warden, or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Information Line at 1-800-792-1112.
Can I rehab a squirrel in Texas?
State and federal laws protect nearly all wild mammals and birds. It is against the law to possess wildlife or the nests, feathers, or eggs of a bird without special permits. The animal must be turned over to TWRC or a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Where can I take an injured bird in Houston?
The Wildlife Center of Texas is Houston’s only trauma and wildlife rehabilitation center that treats all injured, sick or orphaned native Texas wildlife species.
Is it illegal to rehab a squirrel?
California – No licenses issued except for rehab and education. Maine – No licenses issued except for rehab and education. Maine’s policy is to seize & destroy all NR squirrels.
What should I do if I find an injured bird?
If you find an injured bird, carefully put it in a cardboard box with a lid or a towel over the top, and place in a cool, safe place. Birds go into shock very easily when injured, and often die from the shock.
How can I help animals in Texas?
How to Help Animals in Texas
- CHOOSE ADOPTION. The shelters in the affected areas are already high volume shelters in need of adoptions to save lives.
- VOLUNTEER. You can volunteer at your local animal shelter and get the word out about animals up for adoption.
- DONATE WISELY.
- OPEN YOUR HOME TO FOSTER.
How can I work in animal rehabilitation?
Many wildlife rehabilitators have a degree in biology, animal behavior, animal science, or zoology, though a college degree is not required to work in this field. They also usually initially intern with an experienced wildlife rehabilitator to gain a good foundation of hands-on experience.
How do you become a wildlife rehabilitator?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have passed a state examination on wildlife rehabilitation, complete an application, provide evidence of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator willing to mentor them, provide evidence of a veterinarian willing to assist them and maintain approved facilities.
What do you do with an injured bird?
Put the bird in a dark, warm, quiet space, away from children and pets. Avoid interacting with, talking to, and handling the bird, as this will cause it additional stress. Never give a bird food or water. Immediately contact your local wildlife rehabilitation facility.
Who do you call when an animal needs help?
Once you’re sure the animal needs your help, call a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. If you’re unable to locate a rehabilitator, try contacting an animal shelter, humane society, animal control agency, nature center, state wildlife agency or veterinarian.
Can veterinarians treat wildlife?
Although veterinarians can provide emergency in-hospital care, most states prohibit long-term care of wildlife unless the veterinarian has obtained a rehabilitation license. If the practice owner decides to treat migratory birds as well, a separate federal permit is required.
Can you have a squirrel as a pet in Texas?
Wildlife are Not Pets It is important to note that in Texas, as well as in most states, owning wildlife is illegal. In Texas, these include skunks, raccoons, white-tailed deer, cottontails, jackrabbits and squirrels, among many others.
What does TWRC Wildlife Center do?
Since 1979, TWRC Wildlife Center has been committed to providing quality emergency care and rehabilitation for injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife brought to us by the public. Through education and engaging the public in wildlife-care programs, TWRC continues to make a difference for urban wildlife threatened by loss of habitat.
Where can I find care instructions for common Texas wildlife?
For care instructions related to a specific animal, please see Common Texas Wildlife Throughout Houston below. Call us at 713-468-8972 and leave a message with your name and phone number so that we may contact you.
What happened to the orphaned ducklings at TWRC?
These orphaned ducklings were brought in to the TWRC Wildlife Center earlier this year. With the help of some very dedicated home rehabbers, they were cared for and successfully released in August. Ducklings are near and dear to our hearts at TWRC, so we wanted to share their growth story with everyone!
