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 forβand successfully releaseβmore 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
Release
Community Education
What’s New
Is that a duckling? A gosling? Nope, theyβre Common Mergansers!
This group of four was found huddled together near their deceased mother. A compassionate community member stepped in and brought them to LTWC, where they were immediately placed under care.
Since intake, these aquatic nestlings have made steady progress with dedicated daily support, fish, mealworms, waterfowl starter, and LOTS of tub time (up to 5x a day) to keep their waterproofing and swimming instincts sharp.
These young mergansers are growing stronger every day and getting closer to the moment they can return to the wild waters where they belong. π
#wildlife #bird #laketahoe #animal #environment
Do you like my shoes? π
In wildlife rehab, patients often wear booties to support recovery from conditions like knuckling, spinal trauma, systemic illness, foot injuries and more! These soft supports help prevent pressure sores, improve mobility, and protect healing tissue, such as in this Western Meadowlark!
Small tools like these make a big difference in recovery!
#wildlife #bird #laketahoe #animal #environment
Currently mastering the art of doing nothing!π¦π€
#raccoon #animal #fyp #environment
Have you seen a squirrel with patchy fur, crusty skin, or excessive scratching? It might be suffering from mange, a skin condition caused by microscopic mites.
Mange is extremely uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to severe infections, dehydration, or even death.
At LTWC, we treat mange with species-specific medications, supportive care, and isolation to prevent spread.
If you spot a squirrel with signs of mange, donβt try to treat it yourself. Reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabber so they can get the care they need!
#wildlife #squirrel #laketahoe #environment #animal
Meet Patient #25-203, an Annaβs Hummingbird π
This fledgling Annaβs Hummingbird was found grounded and alone. At just 4 grams, lighter than a nickel, she was quiet and moderately dehydrated when she arrived.
Sheβs now receiving specialized nectar formula every 15 minutes. Tiny patients like her need constant, careful feeding and monitoring to survive.
Weβre doing everything we can to help her grow strong!
#animal #bird #laketahoe #hummingbird #love
At LTWC, we care for all kinds of wild patients, even bats! π¦
These tiny, but mighty mammals often come in grounded, dehydrated, or injured, sometimes after storms or when disturbed during hibernation.
From pest control to pollination, bats matter. We can help return them to the wild where they belong!
#wildlife #laketahoe #bat #animal #environment
Do You Remember Patient #25-40?π¦This little Great Horned Owlet was found alone next to a deceased sibling, with 25 botfly larvae packed into both ears. After days of treatment, cleaning, and supportive care, he made a strong recovery.
And now... he is REUNITED with his parents! π
Great Horned Owls do not build their own nests. They rely on abandoned ones from hawks, squirrels, or other large birds, so when a nest fails, they cannot rebuild on their own. That is where we step in. Our team carefully built a replacement nest high in a tree and safely returned the owlet.
In the 3rd photo, you can see one of the parents sitting on the new nest, keeping close watch.
The best care will always come from nature. And thanks to this intervention, this owlet is back in the wild, right where he is meant to be!π
#wildlife #owl #bird #laketahoe #love #animal
βοΈNO LONGER NEEDS TOWELS βοΈ
Our wildlife patients are keeping us busy, and our laundry bins are nearly empty! Weβre in urgent need of towels of any size!
We are also in need of the following items:
β’ Pillowcases
β’ Flat sheets (no fitted sheets)
β’ Blankets
β’ Fleece
β’ Stuffed animals of any size, including large ones
β’ Aquariums with secure lids of any size
Please donate only clean, gently used items. We canβt accept anything heavily worn or torn.
Drop off donations at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care
π 1551 Al Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
π Open daily, 8AMβ7PM
Your contributions directly support the care, comfort, and recovery of the wildlife we serve. Thank you for helping us continue this vital work. π
#animal #laketahoe #coyote #wildlife
Itβs fledgling season! π¦ If you find a young bird on the ground, donβt worry! Most are fledglings, young birds learning to fly. They may seem awkward and spend time on the ground, but their parents are usually close by, feeding and protecting them. Although many people think birds can fly immediately after leaving the nest, fledglings actually spend time building strength and practicing flight. Finding one on the ground doesnβt mean it is abandoned or in trouble.
To avoid causing stress, please do not handle the bird. Call for help only if the bird is injured, in immediate danger, or very young with no feathers. Itβs also important not to feed or give water to the bird, as improper care can cause harm. Keeping pets and children away helps give the fledgling the best chance to recover safely.
We accept wildlife intakes every day from 8 AM to 7 PM, and our hotline is open during these hours. If youβre unsure what to do, please call us before stepping in. Weβre here to help young wildlife thrive! π
#wildlife #bird #animal #tahoe #fyp
Watch Porky enjoy her crunchy carrot snack with her long, strong nails! π¦π₯
Those claws help her climb trees and hold onto food, key adaptations that are essential skills in the wild!
#wildlife #porcupine #tahoe #environment #animal
Do You Remember the Barn Owl Hit by a Car? Heβs Free Again! π¦
Patient #25-8 came to us after being struck headfirst by a car going 50mph. Initially thought to be dead, he shocked his rescuer by suddenly flying around her car moments later!
He arrived with serious head trauma and received oxygen therapy, pain management, fluids, and round-the-clock care. Recovery from brain trauma is uncertain, but after 33 days of healing and regaining strength, he was successfully released back into the wild!
His recovery wouldnβt be possible without your support, thank you for standing with us and the wildlife we serve! π
#wildlife #owl #bird #environment #animal #tahoe
Do you remember our first baby of the season? Patient #25-24, a tiny Douglas squirrel, who was rescued after falling from a hidden nest during home renovations.
Sheβs more than doubled her weight, her eyes are wide open, and sheβs growing stronger every day. Sheβs well on her way to learning the skills sheβll need to return to the wild!
Weβre proud of her progress and this is just the beginning of her journey. Stay tuned as she continues to grow, explore, and get ready for release! ππΏοΈ
#wildlife #squirrel #animal #love #tahoe
Meet Patient #25-40! This nestling Great Horned Owl was found alone at the base of a tree, next to a deceased sibling. On intake, he was underweight, quiet, and had both ears packed with blowfly larvae. A total of 25 were removed over several days!!
Larval infestations can cause irritation, tissue damage, and infection. The skin around his ears was blackened and inflamed, likely from the larvae feeding on the tissue. With daily cleaning, fluids, and care, heβs showing signs of improvement.
Heβs alert, vocal, and eating with a strong appetite. His weight is increasing, swelling is down, and no new larvae have been found. If progress continues, weβll evaluate renesting!
Weβll continue to monitor him closely, but so far this owlet is doing well on the road to recovery. π¦π
#wildlife #owl #bird #tahoe #environment
At approximately 1:00 PM today, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to a fire incident on our property, outside our main perimeter fence. Thanks to the quick actions of our staff and volunteers, all wildlife patients were safely contained and ready for evacuation within 20 minutes.
The threat has been averted, and all animals are now back in their enclosures.
Weβre incredibly grateful to the first responders for their fast response and support. Weβre fully cooperating with authorities as they conduct their investigation.
Most importantly, all of our wildlife patients are safe. Thank you to everyone who helped.
This Easter, weβre asking everyone to think before bringing home a baby rabbit or duckling π°π£ They may be cute, but they are a real commitment that lasts for years.
Domestic rabbits and ducks cannot survive in the wild. Releasing them or giving them up after the excitement fades is not fair to them. If you truly want to welcome a bunny into your family, please consider adopting from a local shelter! There are so many in need of loving homes!
Looking for a kinder way to celebrate? Choose a plush toy instead. Visit a sanctuary. Or make a donation in someoneβs name to help support animals in need
Celebrate with care this Easter π
#easter #bunny #holiday #animals #environment
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us for our Born to Be Wild Baby Shower! Your generosity helps give orphaned and injured wildlife babies the care they need to grow strong and wild.
Weβre so grateful for this communityβs support, it truly makes a difference!
#wildlife #environment #animal #love #laketahoe
π Tomorrow is the DAY! π
Just a friendly reminder that our Born to Be Wild Baby Shower is happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 12th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1551 Al Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
This event comes at a critical time. Weβve already seen a 30% increase in wildlife patients this year, and more are expected in the coming weeks. YOU can help make a difference today!
β¨ Event Highlights β¨
10:15 AM β Wildlife Rehab 101 with Morgan
10:40 AM β First Behind-the-Scenes Tour
11:00 AM β Game: Name That Baby
11:10 AM β All About Babies Presentation with Shawn
11:35 AM β Second Behind-the-Scenes Tour
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM β Meet & Greet with Porky the Porcupine
12:10 PM β Third Behind-the-Scenes Tour
12:40 PM β Bird Migration Presentation with Morgan
1:00 PM β Fourth Behind-the-Scenes Tour
1:15 PM β Learn About LTWC Patients & βGuess the Speciesβ with Morgan
1:30 PM β Wildlife Trivia
1:45 PM β Final Behind-the-Scenes Tour
The event is free, but donations for wildlife care are appreciated! See our wishlist in the comments. Canβt make it? You can still help by mailing or dropping off a gift!
Letβs give these babies the second chance they deserve. π±π
Please note: Tour times may vary slightly depending on event flow. We appreciate your patience and excitement!
#wildlife #laketahoe #veteranarian #animal #bunnies #california
Meet our latest babies in the nursery! Mountain Cottontails #25-32 through #25-35 π°
A nest of infant Mountain Cottontails was accidentally dug up during construction under an electrical panel. With work still underway, the babies could not be safely returned to the wild.They are now in care at LTWC. Thin, dehydrated, but already showing promising signs of recovery. They are gaining weight, eating hay, and settling into our nursery.
Heartbreakingly, one sibling, Patient #32, did not make it. He arrived with a severe open fracture and active bleeding, and despite our efforts, the injury was too serious to treat.
These moments are tough, but they remind us why this work matters.If youβd like to support their care, check out wildlife baby shower link in our bio for their supply drive!!
#wildlife #laketahoe #veteranarian #animal #bunnies #california
Here is Morgan, our Wildlife Care Manager, giving a big shout out to some of the amazing items that have already been donated from our wish list
Every single item helps us care for injured and orphaned wildlife. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far
Want to help too? Check out our wish list in our bio!!
#wildlife #care #animal #laketahoe #environment
Want a behind-the-scenes tour of LTWC? π
Join us this Saturday at our Born to Be Wild Baby Shower from 10 AM β 2 PM! Starting at 10:30 AM, weβll offer short tours of the back of our facilities, giving you a special look at where we care for wildlife.
To join, just bring a donated item per person or give any amount per person.
Your donation helps care for patients like this nestling Great Horned Owl π¦π Itβs a powerful reminder of the difference you make!
#wildlife #animal #laketahoe #love #bird #vet
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.
