WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
Call the SPCA Wildlife Department with wildlife questions or concerns: 716-629-3528.
Questions about common wildlife issues? Click here!
EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BABY SONGBIRD PROGRAM **
-No prior experience needed! Training will be provided by SPCA Wildlife Department staff!
-Volunteers are needed for a once-a-week, four-hour shift.
-Songbirds do not go home with volunteers for care, but are cared for right here at the SPCA.
-Experience the growth and development of birds from the nestling stage to release!
-A wide variety of species, including robins, blue jays, sparrows, cardinals, and others, will receive care!
Interested? Call the SPCA's Beverly Jones: 716-629-3527!
** WILDLIFE PHONE RECEPTIONIST VOLUNTEER POSITIONS **
-We need enthusiastic folks with excellent communication skills!
-Wildlife receptionist work is CRITICAL for the appropriate admission of wild animals in need of rescue.
-Training will be provided by SPCA Wildlife Department staff!
-Volunteers are needed for a once-a-week, four-hour shift.
Interested? Call the SPCA's Beverly Jones: 716-629-3527!
** FOSTER HOMES FOR ORPHANED BABY GREY SQUIRRELS! **
Can you help? We're looking for people who are:
-Interested in hand-rearing grey squirrels with the intention of releasing them when they are of proper age;
-Willing to make a space at home that is noise-free, and free of domestic pets;
-Able to devote a few minutes of attention to the babies 5+ times per day;
-Able to resist the urge to spend extra time with the squirrels, making them "pets;"
-Willing to go through a short one-on-one training session with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator from the SPCA Wildlife Department!
The SPCA will provide the babies' housing, food, any meds, gloves for you, and the training necessary...all you provide is the time for feeding (no socialization time!!)!
INTERESTED? PLEASE CALL DAWN AT THE SPCA: 716-343-2535!
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Support the SPCA's wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts...make a gift today!
Read our dramatic story of the fallen Statler Falcon fledgling!
-Barred Owl Released! See story below.
-Recommended Reading: Creature Comforts by Joel Thomas. Joel Thomas was the Wildlife Department Administrator for the SPCA Serving Erie County for over 12 years. His wit and expertise shine in this book with common sense solutions to living with wildlife. Joel passed away April 23rd, 2012 after a long battle with ALS. His legacy lives on through the lives that he touched and the wisdom he imparted. Order your copy of CREATURE COMFORTS today.
-Follow WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT News on FACEBOOK, and on our "WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS" radio segment each week on WECK-AM Radio!
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DEPARTMENT MISSION: The rehabilitation & release of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife.
This department is one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centers in New York State! There are more than 2500 wild animals admitted per year of 100 different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles!
Annually, the department fields over 5,500 calls from community members with wildlife inquiries.
Our high number of animals is cared for by 3 full-time staff members…and 65 volunteers!!
Of all animals treated, 50% are birds of all kinds: songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, etc.
Our outstanding wildlife cases hae included the rehab/release of threatened and endangered species such as Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Least Bitterns, all while rehabilitating the more commonly-seen species, including songbirds, cottontail rabbits, and grey squirrels.
The Wildlife Department admits and cares for exotic animals of all kinds.
The Wildlife Department periodically assists the DEC with capture, transport, and care of various illegally possessed wildlife.
Are you a licensed rehabilitator? Connect with us at our Rehabilitator Series!
The Wildlife Department is instrumental in the training and educational opportunities offered to all new York State wildlife rehabilitators.
Interested in booking an all-ages Wildlife Education Program? Click here!
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STATLER PEREGRINE FALCON FLEDGLING RETURNED TO NEST BY SPCA
June 18, 2012
This little 6-week-old peregrine falcon has no idea how lucky...and how famous...she is! She's one of four new inhabitants in the well-known peregrine falcon nest at the Statler Towers in downtown Buffalo.
SPCA wildlife rescue personnel received a call from the Sheriff's Department yesterday that one of the fledglings, learning to fly, plunged down to the concrete but was still alive. By the time our officers arrived, the fledgling had been picked up and was already on her way to our Tonawanda infirmary!
SPCA Wildlife Department staff and Dr. Karen Moran saw that the baby was in good shape, no complications from the fall. They then consulted the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and everyone determined an immediate return to the Statler was in order. That return happened today!
Part 1 in our falcon fledgling series is this close-up photo of "Batavia" (dubbed by the DEC). See videos of her return here: Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18SMVmEBO_g and Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gjTy5RW7Hs !
This Barred Owl was recently brought in to the shelter with head trauma, most likely from being struck by a car. The Barred Owl is sometimes called a Hoot Owl due to its call. This owl recovered well, but we were concerned about damage to one of his eyes. After testing the bird’s ability to fly and hunt, our fears were alleviated. The Barred Owl did well and was released back into the wild!