We give mother nature a helping hand by raising and rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife so they may be released back to the wild. Our 27-acre site includes a state-of-the-art animal care facility as well as sophisticated enclosures, allowing us to care for–and successfully release–more injured and orphaned animals.
Our Mission: Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Release
Our work is not possible without your support.
Make a DonationGiving Nature a Helping Hand
Rescue
Rehabilitation
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Community Education
What’s New
This Great Horned Owl came to us with severe fractures from a likely car strike and X-rays revealed an old pellet lodged in its chest, a tragic reminder of the dangers wildlife face. Unfortunately, its injuries were too severe to heal, and the most compassionate choice was humane euthanasia.
Shooting protected wildlife is illegal, and every action we take, whether driving carefully, reducing roadkill, or reporting poaching, can help prevent harm. Let’s work together to create a safer world for these incredible birds.
#wildlife #environment #laketahoe #owl #bird #animal
Why do Stellar’s Jays bathe? 💦
Bathing is essential for keeping their feathers clean, waterproof, and insulated. Water helps remove dirt, dust, and parasites, while preening afterward keeps their feathers aligned and spreads protective oils.
Some birds, including jays, also engage in “anting,” where they rub ants on their feathers to help control parasites!! Isnt that fascinating!?
#wildlife #bird #animal #laketahoe #love #animal
Meet Ozzy, our male American Kestrel! 💚
Did you know that male kestrels are smaller and more colorful than females? While both have striking markings, males sport vibrant blue wings and a rusty-red back, making them easy to tell apart from their larger, more muted counterparts.
Can you spot the differences between male and female kestrels?
#wildlife #bird #animal #laketahoe #environment
Celebrate the little ones of the wild with us! Every year, hundreds of wild baby animals are brought to us in desperate need, whether due to sickness, injury, or being orphaned. In their hour of need, it’s thanks to YOU that they receive the lifesaving support they deserve.
Join us at our Born to Be Wild Baby Shower on Saturday, April 12th, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. This family-friendly event welcomes all ages and is free to the public, but donations are encouraged. Attendees can enjoy educational presentations, insights from our rehabilitation staff, and animal ambassadors.
Can’t make it? You can still support local wildlife by donating online or dropping off supplies at our center. Thank you for your generosity!
Check out the link in our bio for our wishlist and learn more about the event!
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #love #bears #mammals
Patient #25-5 is Back in the Wild! 🦅
After making a full recovery, this juvenile Cooper’s Hawk has been released! From rescue to rehabilitation, he’s regained his strength and is flying strong. Safe travels, #25-5!
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #love #hawk#birdofprey #bird
Patient Update #25-6: American Goshawk is RELEASED!
After regaining strength in our flight aviary, she’s back in the wild just in time for breeding season! Atrue story of resilience!
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #environment #love #conservation #bird #hawk #birdofprey
Porky the porcupine’s mukbang! Crunch, munch, repeat!
#wildlife #porcupine #animal #ambassador #tahoe #love #mukbang
Remember Barn Owl #25-8? 🦉 The one struck by a car going 50 MPH? Look at him now!
When he first arrived, he could barely stand. But since then, he’s gained 150g, is flying, and showing normal behavior—active at night and adjusting well.
We are hopeful for his recovery, and this case is a testament to the resilience of wildlife with the right care and support. 💚
#wildlife #environment #tahoe #animals #owl #barnowl #birdsofprey
🌿 We’re Hiring! 🌿
Do you have a passion for wildlife conservation? 🐻 If you’re looking to join a dedicated team making a real difference, we want to hear from you!
Check out the link in our bio to apply today!!
#wildlife #environment #conservation #jobs #tahoe #animals
Check out our latest project! Our brand new fawn enclosure!! 🦌
Providing a safe space for young deer is essential to their rehabilitation, and our fawn fencing plays a crucial role in that process.
Thanks to the support of South Shore Fence Company, we were able to make it happen! Their generosity has helped us create a secure environment where fawns can grow and thrive before returning to the wild.
For quality fencing in Lake Tahoe or El Dorado County, contact South Shore Fence Company at 📞 530-573-8923 or 📧 ssfcman@yahoo.com.
#wildlife #animal #tahoe #reno #love #environment #deer
It’s a good day when Porky’s in the spotlight. 🦔✨
#wildlife #animal #porcupine
On National Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Day, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and compassionate veterinarians. It takes a village to heal and protect wildlife, and we are so grateful to have each of you as part of ours.
Your hard work, care, and commitment make a real difference. We couldn’t do this without you! 💚
#wildlife #wildliferehab #animal
Rare Patient Alert: Meet American Goshawk #25-6 !! 🦅
This adult female American Goshawk arrived at our wildlife hospital after colliding with a kitchen window. She was admitted with head trauma, mouth bleeding, and an old, healed amputation of her third left toe. To stabilize her, she was placed in an oxygen chamber and started on pain management and supportive care.
She has since shown steady improvement, transitioning out of oxygen support and beginning to eat on her own after initial assisted feeding. Now housed in a larger enclosure, she continues to regain strength and will soon move to an outdoor aviary for the next stage of her recovery!
We remain optimistic for a smooth rehabilitation and successful release back into the wild!
#wildlife #wildliferehab #hawk #goshawk #bird #animal
Help us welcome Morgan Hester, our new Wildlife Care Manager! 🦅
With over a decade of wildlife rehab experience, Morgan is already elevating our medical care, protocols, and more at LTWC. A graduate of Lees-McRae College in Biology with a focus on Wildlife Rehab and Psychology, she’s passionate about conservation and inspiring others to protect wildlife—especially birds!
Her skills and fresh approach are driving positive change, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead! 🎉
#wildlife #tahoe #wildliferehabilitation
This Barn Owl, Patient #25-8, was recently admitted after being struck by a car traveling 50mph, hitting the passenger side headfirst. Initially thought to be dead, the owl surprised its rescuer by suddenly flying around her car!
Head trauma is a serious concern in wildlife struck by vehicles. Even without fractures, brain swelling and internal injuries can be life-threatening. That’s why oxygen therapy is crucial. It helps reduce swelling, improve oxygen flow to the brain, and support recovery.
He’s had pain management, fluids, radiographs, and O2 therapy so far. While he is eating well and has gained 90g, his prognosis remains guarded. With head trauma, recovery is unpredictable. We can’t predict the outcome, but we are doing everything possible to give him a fighting chance.
#wildlife #animal #bird #owl #tahoe
This young Cooper’s Hawk (Patient #25-5) 🦅was found grounded along Hwy 395, unable to fly. He was thin, mildly dehydrated, and had minor bleeding in his mouth, broken feathers on his left wing, and a small puncture wound on his foot.
The first 24 hours were critical as we provided fluids, pain management, and supportive care. By the next day, he was much stronger and moved to our flight aviary for further monitoring and examination where he’s flying great! With a full recovery under his wings, he’ll be soaring back to the wild soon. Stay tuned! 💙
#bird #hawk #tahoe #animal #environment
When you spot a snack a mile away 👀🦅
#bird #hawk #tahoe
Can you spot the animal?🔍That’s a Virginia Opossum!
Did you know LTWC not only rescues local wildlife but also assists other centers by accepting transfers? When wildlife is in need, we’re here to help. This group of 9 baby opossums was one of our special rescues!
Opossums are a rare sight in Tahoe, so it was a special experience to rehabilitate these unique critters and return them to the wild where they belong! 🌿
Have you ever spotted an opossum in Tahoe? Tell us in the comments!
#wildlife #tahoe #opossum #animal #love
Meet Patient #2-25! 🐦 This Steller’s Jay was rescued after a dog attack, arriving with missing wing and tail feathers, mild bleeding, and a slight wing droop, likely from soft tissue trauma.
Dog and cat attacks are a common danger for wildlife. Even without visible wounds, bacteria from pet saliva can cause deadly infections. That’s why we start every patient on antibiotics, pain management, and close monitoring.
This jay is now resting and on the road to recovery! 💙
If you find injured wildlife, remember we’re here to help. As the only licensed rehabilitators in the Tahoe Basin, we’re open daily from 8 AM – 5 PM for intakes. Your quick response gives wildlife the best chance at recovery!
#wildlife #tahoe #bird #animal #environment
It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Em, our beloved Bald Eagle, who passed away today.
Em has been a cherished member of the LTWC family for the past nine years. He brought so much inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of meeting him, leaving a lasting impression with his presence and strength.
In recent years, Em has struggled with severe arthritis and heart disease. Following the guidance of our avian veterinarians, he retired from public exhibition to prioritize his comfort and well-being. Despite these difficulties, Em has shown remarkable resilience. Earlier this year, we took him to UC Davis for his annual exam, where the veterinary team was amazed at how well he was managing despite his significant health issues.
Our veterinarian at LTWC often reminded us that Em was living beyond expectations, and he continued to defy the odds until the very end. Just this morning, he was bright, alert, and behaving as he always did. Today, however, his time with us came to an end.
We are taking Em to UC Davis for a necropsy to learn more about his health and passing, and we will keep you updated as we know more.
Em’s memory will always be a part of us, and we are incredibly grateful to the team who cared for him over the years. We invite you to share your memories of Em with us as we remember this incredible ambassador.
Thank you for all your support during this difficult time.
Coexisting
Living with Wildlife in the Tahoe Basin
The Lake Tahoe region is known as being one of the most beautiful places on earth, known for its stunning natural splendor. It’s no surprise that so many people chose to live and visit here! Wildlife are a fundamental part of our region’s environment, and knowing that we are sharing the area with so many beautiful animals is part of what makes this area so special for many of us. Yet, sharing our space with wildlife can bring its own set of challenges. Our bears are adept at getting human food from trash containers, woodpeckers can become house-peckers, and your dog may just come home with a face full of quills if she gets too close to a porcupine. Click below to learn more about the most common human-wildlife conflicts in our area and what you can do to avoid or address these issues yourself.
