Tale of two woodrats

Dusky-footed woodrat.

Unless we're presented with a major disaster, like an oil spill, most of our wildlife rescues involve a single injured or ill animal. It's concerning, then, when we find more than one casualty at the same location, especially when the cause of their demise is not readily apparent.

This week, we recovered two dusky-footed woodrats from a property near Elkhorn, CA. One was freshly deceased, the other, dying. These two animals brought the total number of woodrat casualties from that area, in six months, to 4. What is even more alarming about that number, is that the species is in jeopardy.

Neotoma macrotis luciana, the Monterey dusky-footed woodrat, one of 11 subspecies of dusky-footed woodrats that inhabit the Pacific coast, is considered a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Game. Loss and fragmentation of their distinct habitats - dense oak woodlands, riparian, and cooler chaparral ecosystems, has been identified as a major reason for their decline. In the Northeastern part of the United States, researchers have cited the raccoon roundworm as a significant cause for the decline in the Allegheny woodrat.

The two woodrats discovered near Elkhorn were both adults, measuring approximately 8" from tale base to snout. They had the distinctive woodrat fur, grayish brown with tawny undertones, white feet and undersides. 

This handsome American native can be distinguished from its distant relative, the Norway rat, by its blunt nose, and long whiskers. Woodrat's tales are more furred than scaly, and they have extraordinarily large, round ears. They differ, dramatically, in behavior, as well.

Dusky-footed woodrats are best known for their large stick houses, which can reach 6' in height and last for decades. Each structure is divided into chambers for various uses, including a separate area where they create a debris pile and latrine. The species is meticulous about cleanliness. They also have a creative side.

Woodrats, or packrats, as they are often called, adorn their debris piles, or middens, with 'little treasures' - oddities they collect from their environment. These decorations can include plant material, pebbles, bones, and human artifacts. Inspection of ancient woodrat middens have given scientists a look back in time, some tens of thousands of years!

Dusky-footed woodrats also line their homes with leaves. Of particular interest is their use of bay leaves. Research suggests deliberate use of the aromatic foliage around their sleeping quarters to reduce ectoparasites. Click HERE for more on this unusual behavior.

The dusky-footed woodrat social structure is also unique. They have evolved to live in loosely-cooperative, matrilineal societies. When pups are weaned, males disperse away from their birth den, while females move to adjacent stick houses, remaining close to their mother. When the matriarch dies, one her daughters inherits her stick home. A single woodrat home can be maintained by several generations of the same family, for decades.

The property where the rats were discovered offered plenty or woodrat habitat with dense foliage and numerous oak trees, but both animals were found out in the open, during the day. A clue. Neither presented with external injuries. Another clue. We suspected rodenticide.

The carcasses were shipped to the California Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Investigations Laboratory in Davis where necropsies revealed large amounts of blood in the lungs and in the abdomen, suggesting anticoagulants - rodenticide use in the woodrat's home range.

After some investigating, we found that neighbors had recently set poison bait stations on their land to control a Norway rat infestation. We explained that bait boxes kill indiscriminately, and pose a threat to all the area's predators, too, including their cats and dogs. We have offered them alternatives to help them solve their Norway rat problems sustainably.

Please read more about how rodenticides pose a threat to non-target animals at these links:

Black Boxes
Why Do Poisons Matter (Urban Carnivores)
The Faces Of Rodenticide Poisoning
Anticoagulant Rodenticide Exposure in Birds of Prey

Sad news...

The red-shouldered hawk that was found shot in San Martin has died.


Unfortunately, the pellet that was lodged in the bird's chest was made of lead. Left alone, the bird would have likely died from lead poisoning.




Although lead toxicosis is most often associated with ingestion of lead, wildlife rehabilitators have documented lead, embedded in tissue, being absorbed into the bloodstream of an animal and causing severe illness. 


While the surgery would be risky, there was no other option. 


Thursday, the young red-shouldered hawk received the operation, the pellet was removed, but surgeons were unable to revive him.


It is especially sad news considering the hawk was intentionally shot by someone. The case is still under investigation by the California Department of Fish and Game and the reward for information on the person(s) responsible is currently $5,180.00. 


We commend the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley and their surgeons for their heroic efforts.


Please read more about the hazards of lead at these links:


Lead Poisoning in Wild Birds
Lead Bullet Risks for Humans and Wildlife
Lead (National Wildlife Health Center Field Manual)
A Global Update On Lead Poisoning In Terrestrial Birds

rewarder.com

Loose fishing line can kill!

Join us for our second annual

Worldwide Fishing Line Cleanup

Earth Day, April 22

YOU name your location (email us), canvas your area,

and share pictures of what you collected.

Download a flyer, HERE.

Check out the map, HERE.

Check out last year's album, HERE.

Photo by George Cathcart
Fins Feathers Photos

Mother Opossum in Wheel Well

This morning, we received a call from a very nice man in Watsonville, CA. He'd found a female opossum with a belly full of babies - she had climbed up into his truck engine compartment. By the time we arrived, she'd tucked herself deep inside the pocket of the wheel well. Duane had quite the time getting her out. She will be released tonight.

Second RSHA found shot!

A second red-shouldered hawk has been found shot in the community of San Martin. The body of a deceased adult bird, possibly the parent of the younger hawk found shot in March, was recovered from a resident’s backyard, earlier this week.

As wardens from the California Department of Fish and Game continue to investigate these crimes, the younger bird remains in rehabilitative care at the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, recovering from a shot to its chest.

Veterinarians decided not remove the pea-sized pellet from the bird’s chest, as the surgery would have been too risky. Even so, its caregivers believe it has a good chance of making a full recovery to be released back into the wild, “But, where?” is the question. With this spree of shootings, unless the perpetrator is apprehended soon, the bird’s home territory may be too dangerous to release him back into.

These crimes were committed with a pellet pistol or rifle, modern air-powered weapons that can shoot lead pellets at a potent 1200 feet per second, with accuracy up to 80 yards. Oddly enough, during a search for information on air rifles, we found pellets labeled as Raptor Ammo for the Varmint Hunter rifle by Gamo. Perhaps the user took this too seriously.

Anyone with information on who may have shot these birds is asked to call the Department of Fish and Game at 408-499-8714.

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible has increased to $5,180.00. Click HERE to add to it!

We'd also like to encourage you to make a donation to Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, HERE.

A wing and a prayer...

Photo courtesy WCSV.

Campbell, CA. Yesterday, at about 1:00 PM, a female crow - her wing somehow wrapped in fishing line, became snagged on a branch of a tall elm tree. As soon as she began to struggle, members of her extended family began to alarm-call, alerting resident humans of the crisis unfolding.


One concerned homeowner began making calls to get the bird help, but to no avail. Finally, she was referred to WildRescue.


The bird was approximately 25' high. We would need a bucket lift or an extension ladder. We called upon Santa Clara County Fire to see if they would help as they did last year for a similarly imperiled crow. Sadly, the reply from the Battalion Chief on duty was, "If it were someone's prized possession, we'd consider it," but not for a crow.


By late afternoon, we decided to call upon local tree service companies. We got really lucky! Our first call was to Bellizzi Tree Service - we reached the owner, Chris, who was willing and eager to help.


It took some doing, but finally, at about 6:00 PM, the hen was rescued. She overnighted at the Santa Clara Humane Society and was transferred to Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley in the morning.


When staff at the Center opened the transport box, they were met with a little surprise. The hen had laid a beautiful aqua-colored egg. Poor girl!

Photo courtesy WCSV.

The crow was quickly tended to - the fishing line removed, and she received a thorough examination. While there were no obvious fractures, she will undergo radiographs, soon. We will post updates as we receive word.


THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL, FOR COMING TO THE AID OF THIS POOR ANIMAL!




Loose, discarded fishing line can maim and kill! Join us on Earth Day for our Worldwide Fishing Line Cleanup. Check it out, HERE! 

Great tale of a whale...

We'd like share a wonderful story from one of our colleagues, Peter Wallerstein:

The call came in on the 28^th of March from Dean of the Pacific Marine Mammal Care Center (PMMC) in Laguna. He was reporting a whale that was spotted off Huntington Beach traveling northwest in LA County’s direction that had rope line tightly wrapped around its fluke. 

PMMC was able to attach floatation buoys to the line trailing the whale in an attempt to slow the whale down so that rescuers might have a chance to catch up to the whale in an attempt to rescue the young whale. It was dark when Dean and his crew had to leave the whale. There’s danger when rescuing a whale during the daytime, but conducting a whale rescue at night increases that danger 10 fold. 

Dean knew the whale was heading towards MAR's (Marine Animal Rescue) territory and immediately gave me a call. 

With this type of entanglement the future for the whale was bleak. The line would cut deeper and deeper into the whales skin and eventually the whale would succumb to the infection and die. 

We prepared that night for what we might encounter in the morning. None of us got much sleep that night. 

The next morning calls started coming in from helicopter pilots, whale census people and whale watch boats. The whale was spotted off Palos Verdes. The entangled whale had made its way to Los Angeles County. 

I contacted the LA County Lifeguards and they immediately offered support from Baywatch Redondo, Captained by Evan Cassaday and crewed by Lars Gustafson. We launched MAR’s zodiac, got our gear together and waited for the PMMC crew to arrive on scene. We would work together to help free the young California gray whale. 

The whale watch boat Voyager located the entangled whale about ¾ of a mile off shore and stayed on scene until we arrived.  Also on scene for support were Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol Officers John Picken and Tim Dornberg. 

The rescue teams plan was to attach additional floatation devices to the trailing gear in an attempt to slow the whale down even more, hoping that would give us a chance to approach and free the young, 25-foot whale. 

Photo by KTLA

Using grappling hooks and line to attach the zodiac to the trailing gear we then hand pulled the line, pulling us closer and closer to the whales tail. We had some close calls. As the whale felt the tension of the control line it would either dive or change its direction snagging the trailing line to the boat causing it to take on water and taking the rescuers for a wild ride. No time for slow reactions! 

We went through this process for 3 hours getting closer and closer each time. The gracefulness and strength of the whale was impressive. With Dean and Scott working the specialized rescues tools from the bow, I took the helm of the zodiac as we continued our rescue efforts. 

We would pull ourselves within feet of the whales large tail as it continued swimming. The incredible fluke would surface directly in front of us and then glide below the surface. 

We approached the whale again and this time we saw our chance. With the large, rolling surf making the approach more challenging, we maneuvered the zodiac closer and closer.  The whale surfaced. With Scott and I securing the line, Dean with the knife pole in hand reached over and made the critical cut. All of us on the boat knew immediately it was a success as we felt the tension of the trailing line disappear.

The young whale was free. 

Many thanks to Dean, Scott, Kelli of PMMC, Baywatch Redondo, Redondo Harbor Patrol, ACS at Point Vicente, Brad Sawyer Captain of the whale watch vessel Voyager, NMFS, and Dave and Alisa Janiger. 

Peter Wallerstein
Marine Animal Rescue Specialist
Friends of Animals

If you're not familiar with Peter or his program, Marine Animal Rescue, based in Southern California, click HERE to go to his web site.

Hooked Gull in Berkeley

Late Wednesday afternoon, we received a call from one of our supporters in Berkeley. She'd successfully captured a gull with a hook lodged in its bill and needed help in getting it to a wildlife hospital or, at the very least, she thought the hook could be removed.


I responded to her call promptly and caught her finishing a conversation with, what sounded like, the City's animal shelter. I overheard a portion of the conversation which ended with them offering to come pick up the bird to euthanize it, to which she responded, "No, thank you."


Unfortunately, from our experience, this is not an uncommon response from a municipal agency. Something we aim to remedy.


After making a few arrangements with the RP (Reporting Party), I sent out an email/text blast to our East Bay responders. Winnie, from WildCare, was quick to reply. THANK YOU WINNIE!!!


Later that evening, I received an update. The visible hook had been removed, but there was fishing line down the throat, which meant there could be a second hook. X-rays to follow. 


This is an example of why it is never a good idea to just unhook a bird and release it. Hooked birds should always be examined by a wildlife rehabilitator.


We will keep you updated on its condition, as we get word.

Hawk update:

Enjoying a rinse!

The red-shouldered hawk found shot in San Martin is doing really well under the care of Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley.



He was just moved into an outdoor enclosure to begin strengthening his muscles. Here are some pictures they shared with us. 

Pacifica Pelican

Today we received a call from a person at Pacifica Pier. He was concerned about a pelican that seemed unable to stand. He said he'd watched someone poke at it to get it to move, and it was not very responsive.


We immediately sent out an alert to our volunteer responders. Within just a few minutes, we received word from Patrick at the Peninsula Humane Society Wildlife Center who quickly forwarded the call to an on-duty officer. They were on scene within 45 minutes.


Unfortunately, the RP was unable to wait, and by the time the officer arrived, the pelican was gone. 


This pelican happened to be banded with a blue band, which means he had previously been through rehabilitation at International Bird Rescue. His number is K-19. If anyone spots him, please alert us through our local, San Francisco number 415-979-9700.

Reunite Wildlife!

Photo courtesy emilie inc photography

Young wild animals stand the greatest chance of living normal lives and surviving as adults if they are raised by wild parents. From wild parents they learn what to eat and where to forage, they learn what to fear and where to hide, and they learn valuable social skills - things that even the most skilled wildlife rehabilitator cannot provide.

To offer displaced young the best chance for long-term survival they must be reunited with their family or wild-fostered into a surrogate family whenever possible. 

Unfortunately, while most rehabilitators agree it is in the best interest of the animals, relatively few treat reuniting as a standard of practice - many see it more as an option, than an obligation. 

A small group of individuals aims to turn this around.

To encourage the practice of reuniting and wild-fostering, a group of experts from across the country have joined forces under the leadership of Anne Miller - an expert on reuniting raptors.

The group met last week to present to fellow rehabilitators at a national conference in Louisiana, and to hold their second face-to-face meeting.

To date, members include Jay Holcomb, from International Bird Rescue, John Griffin and Laura Simon, from HSUS, Diane Nickerson, of Mercer County Wildlife, and WildRescue's Rebecca Dmytryk.

Each spring and summer, WildRescue helps numerous babies get back home!!! If you'd like to be part of our Reuniting Team (phone and field positions) email rebecca@wildlifeservices.org.

REWARD BEING OFFERED

The red-shouldered hawk, found last week with a pellet in its chest, is still undergoing care at Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. He has regained some strength and has recently eaten on its own for the first time, but remains in guarded condition. In the meantime, WildRescue has launched a campaign to help find out who shot the bird.


A huge Thank You! to those who have quickly stepped forward to make pledges toward our reward fund.


As of today, WildRescue is offering $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for shooting a young red-shouldered in San Martin, on or around March 11th.


If you'd like to make a pledge to increase the amount being offered, you may do so HERE.


Twenty-five flyers were posted in the area where the bird was found injured.

Humane Pest Control

WildRescue's Directors, Duane and Rebecca, have officially launched Humane Pest Control and Consulting - a professional business that helps people resolve their conflicts with wildlife, humanely. 


Whether it's a raccoon in an attic, a skunk under a porch, or coyotes loitering a little too close for comfort, Humane Pest Control can help. Check out the web site HERE.


LIKE them on Facebook, HERE, for 10% savings on any of their services!!! 

Red-shouldered hawk, shot!

Last night, we received a call from one of our local game wardens. He'd responded to an incident involving a young red-shouldered hawk. With no wildlife hospital open to receive the injured bird, the warden was kind enough to transport it to WildRescue's headquarters on the central coast.


Upon arrival, we did not examine the bird, as this would have subjected it to unnecessary stress from additional handling. Injured wild animals are exhausted from trauma and their exposure to predators - humans. Unless they are suffering an immediately life-threatening condition, they should be provided a dark, quiet place to rest. This is true for animals first admitted into a wildlife hospital, as well.


Unfortunately, we did have to disturb the bird momentarily. It needed to be transferred out of a wire birdcage (provided by the finder), into more suitable housing. Wild birds should never be confined in wire caging - the wire can damage their feathers. During the transfer, we noted a patch of bloodied feathers on the bird's chest.

Puncture on chest.
Photo courtesy WCSV.

Bright and early Tuesday morning, the young hawk was transported to Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley by one of our lead responders, Ron Eby. Thank you Ron!


By afternoon, we received word about the bird's condition. He was found to be in a weakened state, thin, and not stable enough for radiographs. A physical examination, however, did reveal a puncture - most likely a gunshot wound. The bird was placed on antibiotics and pain medication.


We want to thank Department of Fish and Game Warden Jones for calling on us for help. We also want to thank Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, once again, for their immediate and expert assistance with this critically wounded animal.

Photo courtesy WCSV.

Photo courtesy WCSV.

UPDATE: On Thursday, radiographs confirmed the bird was shot. A small pellet was found lodged in its chest.

It is illegal to shoot birds of prey. This case is under investigation by authorities. Should the person(s) responsible not come forward, WildRescue is preparing to launch a reward campaign. Stay tuned.

Cormorant - saved!!!

Zack scans one of the beaches in Southern California.

This weekend we had Wildlife SAR responders checking beaches from Malibu to Santa Barbara, looking for oiled birds. While scanning the beach near UCSB, Zack and Yvette came across a double-crested cormorant that was in trouble. Zack reports:

It had a long heavy piece of seaweed wrapped around its leg, leaving it unable to fly. A bit of patience, strategy and a quick sprint as he went for the water & i netted him. He had a couple of stabs at me while I untangled the weed, but all good, and he flew away fit & healthy.

Way to go!!!

WildRescue responds to oiled seabird sightings

In response to the recent wave of oiled seabirds in Southern California and no official search and rescue operations in place, WildRescue sent teams of volunteer responders to scour beaches from Santa Barbara to Malibu, looking for oiled casualties.


Because this recent event (which began last November) involves natural seep and is not related to Man, there is no funding for the rescue of impacted wildlife - there are no funds for search and collection efforts. The rescue of animals is left in the hands of the public.


Normally, during an official oil spill response, there are strict policies governing the collection and care of oiled birds, and there is also funding to offset the costs. But not so when birds are oiled with natural seep. This is when an oiled bird is not an 'oiled bird'.


More on this natural seep event in an LA Times article, HERE.


When a bird becomes oiled, time is of the essence. The longer the bird remains in the environment, and exposed to the elements, the worse its chances are for a full recovery. This, in turn, means that the animals that are collected are often the weakest and worst off.

Map of hot spots from Santa Barbara to the Malibu Pier.

To try and find birds sooner, before they are rundown, WildRescue responders scouted known hot spots Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, for murres and grebes.


Grebes are aquatic birds. Once on land, they are unable to walk. If a grebe is onshore, something is wrong!

Five oiled grebes from previous natural seep event in Malibu.

When oiled, grebes are often found in harbors, lagoons, and tend to strand at the mouths of rivers and streams. Working at night, with heavy duty flashlights, responders are able sneak up on stranded grebes more easily than in daylight.

Photo courtesy Scott Palamar

Murres are black and white, and stand upright, like penguins. They are often found on rocks and jetties, though they will also strand on sandy beaches.


So far, our responders have not located any oiled birds, which is a good sign. They will continue searching on Sunday morning during the minus tide. 


A HUGE Thank You! goes out to Scott, Zack, Yvette, and Lindsey for their efforts!


While this is a volunteer effort, but one that requires a good deal of driving, WildRescue is reimbursing for fuel costs. If you would like to help with a donation earmarked exclusively for this particular oiled seabird response, click HERE, and THANK YOU!

Goose waits months for rescue

On February 28th, WildRescue received a call from a woman who had been trying to get help for an injured Canada goose in Sunnyvale since the Fall, 2011. As she searched for aid, calling upon various resources, she received plenty of excuses about why no one would come help rescue the flighted bird. 


WildRescue responded immediately, sending one of our lead responders and goose capture expert, Deanna "goose whisperer" Barth, to the rescue. Here is her account:


As I arrived at the lagoon and opened my car door I was met by a large group of ducks, running up the embankment to greet me. This certainly confirmed the caller's statement that the resident waterfowl was used to being fed. Cynthia met me soon after, and led me down a path where the geese spend much of their time. I purposefully left my net and carrier in the car and carried only a bag of food with me.  

As we approcahed the Canada geese, I could see the injured one right away.  It appeared to be a female, much smaller in size than the one standing next to her - an impressive gander with quite an attitude, loudly protesting anything that came near.  

Photo courtesy WCSV.

The injury to the goose's leg was shocking, even from a distance. Fishing line wrapped tightly around her leg. Below where the line constricted her leg, the skin coloration was dark, and she was missing webbing between her toes. It looked more like a tree branch than a foot. 

Cynthia took her bag of food and led the growing number of ducks away from the geese so I would have room to stand. Now began the "dance."  

I knew the most difficult part of this capture would be maneuvering myself in between the injured goose and her mate. He pecked and chased away any of the other birds that got near, and was doing his best to intimidate me as well. As I got close he would loudly honk, hiss and flap his wings. Every time he did this, it frightened the female into the water.  

Each time, I waited patiently for her to come back onto the bank, then I would walk around her slowly, tossing grain. We danced back and forth for several minutes as I tried to place her on my right side, close enough to grab without startling her or upsetting the male. I knew I would have only one chance to get this right so my positioning had to be perfect.

Finally, with the male distracted, I tossed grain to her right - as she turned her head away from me, I pounced!

As soon as I hit the ground there was an enormous uproar as every bird in the vicinity took to the sky.

Enveloped in my arms, I carefully folded her wings, placed a pillow case over her head to calm her, and walked back to my vehicle where I then placed her into an animal carrier, lined with a large bath towel.

As I drove her to the wildlife hospital - the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, I couldn't help but feel optimistic. I had watched her put weight on the injured leg when she walked, and even run, with a limp. She could fly and, surprisingly, paddle. 

I try to be hopeful with every rescue, but with the severity of her injury, I knew the odds of her being euthanized were high. Once again, I found myself checking in with my emotions. Did I feel okay driving her to the wildlife hospital, knowing it would probably mean the end of her life, or should I have let her be, and "let nature take it's course?" 

I knew I was doing the right thing. She had definitely been experiencing pain, so I was okay knowing her suffering would be over soon, either way. 


Later that afternoon, I received the sad news that she was humanely euthanized.

This was a particularly frustrating case. Had we been notified of this bird's injury months ago, she would probably still be alive. It's a perfect example of the need for better and increased service. In the United States, very few communities have dedicated responders who physically perform rescues.


Wildlife hospitals and animal control agencies, for example, simply do not have the resources to send their people into the field on rescues, especially technical or time consuming rescues, and it's the animals that end up paying the price.


We desperately need to solve this problem. The goal must be for every community to have a resource it can call upon for emergencies involving wildlife. Just like we have emergency medical services for people, saving lives doesn't begin on the treatment table of an ER, but on scene of the accident. This same standard must be applied to wildlife.

Micro LIVES!!!

Photo by Rick Hannon/TheAdvocate

Micro (Microbe, Micro-Baby), the smallest of the baby pelicans rescued during the Gulf Oil Spill, was spotted once again - actually twice, last August, at his 'home' isle - Raccoon Island, where he was initially released October 6, 2010.


According to band records, was re-captured January 8th, 2011, in Port Isabel, reportedly suffering from some sort of injury.


Later, on August 4th and 9th, he was observed back on Raccoon Island.


For his full story, and video, check out our blog entry from last year, HERE.

WELCOME new volunteer responders!

We'd like to recognize our new team members!

Congratulations! After review of your application and completion of our 2012 Wildlife SAR training we have officially added you to our Wildlife SAR team! 

Welcome, Deborah B. and Heather H., from the North Bay; Barbara A., Sue F., and Johnie K., from the East Bay; Julie B., Connie P., Dragan S., Rebecca S., Kathleen S., from the Peninsula; Maureen H. and Jennifer W. from the Santa Cruz area, and Richard Grise from San Luis Obispo!

This brings our statewide total to 56, with 19 current on their 24-Hour HAZWOPER certification!

A huge Thank You to the rest of our team members: Jay, Laurie, Doris, Jane, Kimberly, Kelle, Winnie, Lisa, John, Nancy, Ann, Jeff & Sarah, Max, Akira, Rachel, Patrick, Susan, Mark, Valerie, Deanna, Kris, Linda, Mary, Sammarye, Bobbie, Virginia, Marsha, Ron, Deb, Patricia, Karen, Julie, Duane and Rebecca, Dan, Lindsey, Jennie, Luci, Dave, Kyle, Diane and Doug!

Wild goose at Meeker Creek

Photo by A. Jensen

We want to acknowledge the tremendous amount of caring and effort that went in to helping this injured goose at Meeker Slough.


We were first alerted of this bird's predicament by International Bird Rescue on February 13th. A local resident of Marina Bay Harbor reported seeing a goose with a badly injured wing. This being the second animal he'd found in distress in the last few months - he shared his frustration with there not being a dedicated wildlife rescue service available.

My concern with these two examples is the complete frustration I have felt with the lack of organized rescue entities, public, private or non-profit within the entire San Francisco bay environs. 

WildRescue immediately alerted its local responders. Rachel was quick to accept the mission. She was escorted by the finder to the location. There, she found an adult Canada goose alongside its mate, appearing in good shape except for its right wing, which looked to be broken. With its 'wrist' broken, the primary feathers drooped, occasionally dragging the ground. The gooses flicked her wing every once in awhile, seemingly bothered by it.

A drawing of the area by Rachel
helped plan out the next capture.

A plan was made. The goose would be captured so that the wing injury and the bird's overall condition could be evaluated.


The first attempt was unsuccessful, the goose made back into the water before she could be netted, but, as with all captures, successful or not, the responders learn invaluable lessons that hone their skills.


While planning the next capture attempt, there was discussion about the bird's fate, should the wing be irreparable. 


Wildlife rehabilitators are licensed under state and federal permits that authorize them to possess, treat, and return animals to the wild. Animals must be free of disease, their wildness must be intact, and they must be capable of surviving - in other words, they must be able to find food and fend for themselves. If a bird loses its ability to fly, rehabilitators are required to either humanely euthanize the animal or place it in captivity.


The outcome for this goose, then, was grim. However, there was another option - the goose was more or less an urbanized bird. She seemed to be fairing well, other than the wing, roaming the park and field with what appeared to be her life-mate at her side. Perhaps the best thing was to let her be.


After consulting with experts, the decision was made to capture her and quickly evaluate the injury. Was it an old wound, was it infected? Was the bird thin, or in good body condition? If it looked as though she needed medical attention, she would be taken to International Bird Rescue for further evaluation and treatment. There, they have some of the most highly skilled bird rehabilitators and avian veterinarians in the world.


It was planned, then, that on Friday, Winnie, one of our lead responders in Richmond, would capture the goose and perform a field triage. 


In the meantime, WildRescue's director, Rebecca Dmytryk, contacted the permitting offices of the California Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, asking if they would consider allowing this particular bird to be returned to its home and mate, even if the wing cannot be repaired - even if the wingtip must be amputated.


She received approval! This was tremendous news! 


On Friday, around midday, Winnie successfully captured the goose. She quickly examined the wing and found it to be infected. The bird needed medical attention right away. Winnie transported the goose to Bird Rescue, in Cordelia, some 30 miles away.


Later on, we received word that the infection was very, very bad. It had taken most of the wing and there was no way to salvage it, even through amputation. This was a very sad moment for everyone involved. The goose was humanely euthanized.


We want to thank those who cared enough to report the injured goose, and our team of volunteer responders who spent a great deal of time on this rescue. We also want to thank the experts at International Bird Rescue for their time and for considering all options to do what is best for the individual. We are also want to extend a special Thank You to the resource agencies for granting special permission to release this individual bird - demonstrating their compassion and progressive thinking. THANK YOU!


In closing, we want to address the finder's concern and frustration over the lack of a dedicated wildlife response entity. We cannot agree more - there is none, and we intend to remedy this. Since last September, when a goose with two fractured legs waited three days to be rescued, we have been working on a plan that would provide San Francisco and surrounding communities with a dedicated Bay Area Wildlife Ambulance, available 24/7. To earmark a contribution for this cause, please click HERE.

Wildlife SAR Trainings

Just like a human accident victim, the rescue of a wild animal does not begin inside a hospital, but in the field, when and where the animal is first found. However, unless the animal is handled appropriately and given proper care, it will not survive to be admitted. 


This is where WildRescue's Wildlife Search and Rescue course is invaluable, providing first responders with instruction on locating and capturing animals, instruction on how to handle animals safely, and what things they can do that might help an animal survive until it reaches a rehabilitator.  


Each year, since 2008, WildRescue has been providing training to local agencies and members of the public throughout California in an effort to increase proficiency in response to injured and orphaned wild animals.


In the past few weeks, WildRescue has instructed three classes, one in Burlingame, hosted by the Peninsula Humane Society, another in Moss Landing, and most recently at the Berkeley Shorebird Nature Center. Participants included game wardens, animal control officers, park rangers, wildlife rehabilitators, and members of the public interested in volunteering as a first responder.


After about 5 hours of lecture, students are taken outdoors to practice whet they have learned in class. One of the exercises places emphasis on clear and accurate communication between teammates.

Janine uses a radio to direct her teammate
to the location where the duck is hidden.

Using radios, rescuers are guided to a location where a decoy duck has been hidden. They never actually see the duck, but must 'blindly' net it. Good fun!

Going only on direction from their teammate, never
actually seeing the animal, rescuers must net the duck.

Participants also get an opportunity to capture RoboDuck. In this exercise they must choose the appropriate capture strategy and stalk the motorized decoy as though it were real. If they apply too much 'pressure' - pose too great a threat, the duck will take off.



News coverage: HERE


WildRescue's last class for the year in the Bay Area is calendared for March 11th. Register for the training course online, HERE.

For more of WildRescue's training and consulting services, click HERE.

Are you HAZWOPER certified?

WildRescue hosted another 24-Hour OSHA Hazardous Waste Occasional Site Worker course this week. There are now 14 additional responders in the Bay Area who have the necessary training to qualify them for response during oil spills. Participants included wildlife rehabilitators, animal control officers, and park employees.


Since the Cosco Busan, WildRescue's director, Rebecca Dmytryk, has been a strong advocate for greater preparedness in the Bay Area so that when the next large oil spill occurs there will be a greater number of trained and properly equipped wildlife responders to cover the extensive shoreline.


If you are interested in attaining a 24-Hour certification, please email rebecca@wildrescue.org to be notified of the next class. Normally costing over $400.00, we are able to offer the course for $50.00 per student, thanks to the generosity of the instructor. 

The little owl who thinks she's...

...not an owl. Very sad.


We received a call last week, from a family in Boulder Creek who found an owl - actually, it found them. According to the finder, the owl had been hanging around for a couple of days, and was acting peculiar - swaying back and forth and 'screaming', begging to be fed. At one point, it landed on the man's shoulder. Thankfully, neither the owl nor the human was harmed.


We responded immediately to check out the situation and found a young great horned owl on their porch. We collected the magnificent animal and placed her into a carrier for the night, feeding her a meal of warmed (frozen) rodents. She was transferred the next morning to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center.


We believe this is the same owl that was reported in November, less than two miles away, acting unusually tame. Unfortunately, she is not only tame, but 'imprinted'.


Imprinting, is when a young animal learns to recognize its parent, and later, the desirable traits of a mate. In this case, the owl imprinted on its human caregivers, who probably thought they were doing the right thing. 


Wild animals must be raised wild - by wild parents. From their parents, young learn what to eat, where to forage, how to hunt, what to fear, where to hide and seek shelter, and they learn valuable social skills. Things that not even the greatest wildlife rehabilitator can provide. This why it is so important to reunite healthy young whenever possible - something WildRescue responders spend much of their time doing in spring and summer months!


Unfortunately, for this owl, it is too late - she does not know she is an owl - she responds to humans, and sadly, among humans she will remain - her wild life stolen from her, again, by someone probably thinking they were doing the right thing.


Had this owl been habituated, meaning, if she had simply become accustomed to humans, tolerating their presence, her behavior could be modified. 


Stay tuned for more on her progress in captivity.