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
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What’s New
It`s that time of year – coyote mating season is here, and sightings are on the rise! From January to March, these clever creatures are in search of mates, forming bonds that can last for years. Coyotes play a crucial role in our environment by managing rodent, insect, and small animal populations, contributing to healthy ecosystems. To coexist peacefully and prevent conflicts, consider these simple ways to make a positive impact!
During their breeding season, taking preventive measures is key. Secure trash cans and eliminate food sources to minimize conflicts. Keep your furry friends on a short lead, close to you at all times. If a curious coyote gets too close, a shout and a wave can help maintain their natural fear of humans. Additionally, think about keeping your cats indoors or using a secure Catio to ensure their safety. Let`s work together as stewards of our urban wild spaces to keep coyotes wild and our pets secure!
#animals #wildlife #wildliferehab #laketahoe #coyote #environment
Did you read our latest newsletter? Catherine Mendez, LTWC`s new Executive Director, shares her excitement about the opportunities ahead! We are thrilled to have her join the team!
With a diverse background in non-profit management, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation, Catherine brings a wealth of experience. Her approach to fostering a better understanding of wildlife and promoting peaceful coexistence is deeply rooted in public education and community engagement.
Join us in congratulating and welcoming Catherine to her new role! To read more, visit the link in our bio!
#wildlife #wildliferehab #laketahoe #animals
Thank you to Pet Station and customers for this incredible giving program! Your generosity is inspiring and very much appreciated! 💙
SHARED FROM PET STATION:
Yesterday we were able to gather multiple local rescuers together at our warehouse to hand out December Round-Up Checks, Giving Tree donations and coupons for their adoption packs. None of this would be possible without YOU, our amazing customers! Thank you so much for making these programs a reality and supporting the work of these wonderful local organizations.
🎉The fluffy Mourning Dove that was rescued last week recuperated enough to be successfully released! Thank you to the Wildlife Heroes for bringing it to LTWC, the Animal Care & Release Team for their actions, and to the Donors who made all of this possible! This Dove’s release back into the wild is your success story too! 😍
If you find an injured animal, please call us at 530-577-2273 (care)
#WildlifeHeroes #ThankYouForBeingAFriend #MourningDoves #Doves #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #ittakesavillage #Ilovelaketahoe #wildlifeheroes #protectwildlife #rescuerehabrelease #sierranevada #urbanwildlife #SuccessStory
🌟Porky says - the early bird gets the rodent block!💙
#Porky #AmbassadorAnimal #porcupines #porcupinesofinstagram #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #laketahoe #laketahoewildlife
We`re hiring a full-time, year-round Wildlife Education & Ambassador Curator to join our team! Join us in inspiring a connection between the community and Lake Tahoe`s unique ecosystem while contributing to vital wildlife conservation efforts.
Visit ltwc.org/careers/ to learn more. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted by February 4th, 2024.
#LTWC #laketahoewildlifecare #joinourteam💥
😍Porky says, let’s all ease into the weekend! Porcupines are nearsighted and slow-moving, but they make up for it with excellent hearing and a great sense of smell. ✨
#Porky #AmbassadorAnimal #porcupines #porcupinesofinstagram #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #laketahoe #ilovelaketahoe #fridaymood
A few days ago, this cute, fluffy Mourning Dove was found on the ground in the snow, not flying. Thank you to the Wildlife Heroes who noticed this little bird and rescued it! This dove was likely grounded due to storms and severely cold temperatures. Since then, it has been warming up in the clinic and eating normally. It is almost ready to graduate to the aviary, an essential step to evaluate its flight abilities. 🥰
#WildlifeHeroes #ThankYouForBeingAFriend #MourningDoves #Doves #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #ittakesavillage #Ilovelaketahoe #wildlifeheroes #protectwildlife #rescuerehabrelease #sierranevada #urbanwildlife #ItsColdOutside
🦅Happy National Save the Eagles Day! Our Animal Care team is pleased to report that today, Dr. Willitts removed the pin from the Golden Eagle’s leg (patient 23-656).
This Golden Eagle was admitted 28 days ago after the California Dept of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) found it injured next to Hwy 395 near Susanville. The bird arrived in critical condition, and the intake exam revealed a fractured tibiotarsus and severe trauma to one of his eyes. After 48 hours of supplemental oxygen, fluids, pain medication, and nutrition, he had improved enough to undergo surgery that stabilized the leg by placing a pin into the two pieces of fractured bone.
The team will continue to monitor him closely. 🩺
#ittakesavillage #rescuerehabrelease #protectwildlife #sierranevada #wildlifeplanet #wildlifeconservation #laketahoewildlifecare #LTWC #goldeneagles #raptorsarethesolution #awesomestaff
Happy National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! Thank You to CDFW`s Wildlife Officers and new cadets! We look forward to working with you!
SHARED FROM CDFW: It’s National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. CDFW is not only celebrating our wildlife officers but also our new cadets who recently kicked off their career at the Wildlife Officer Academy at Butte College on Jan. 8.
The 2024 wildlife officer class is 63 cadets strong, the highest number in the history of CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division and a reflection of the investment to protect California’s natural resources and environment for decades to come.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was created by a multitude of organizations to express their gratitude for our nation’s law enforcement officers. Each January, the day coincides with the first few days of the Wildlife Officer Academy.
CDFW’s wildlife officers make many personal sacrifices, assume significant risk and endure many moments of extreme stress to keep our precious natural resources and California’s public safe.
CDFW is thankful to those who have served as wildlife officers for their entire career and welcome our new academy cadets.
The Common Poorwill is famous as the first known hibernating bird. When the weather cools down, like it has in South Lake Tahoe, it may enter a torpid state. While scientists published this observation in the 1940s, the Hopi people already knew this. Their name for Poorwill means ‘the sleeping one.’ Torpor is similar to hibernation, a state of lowered body temperature and metabolic activity assumed by many animals in response to adverse environmental conditions. The torpid state may last overnight, as in temperate-zone hummingbirds and some insects, or it may last for months, like in bears.
#Poorwill #Hopi #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #laketahoe #laketahoewildlife #AmbassadorAnimal #torpor #winterishere #themoreyouknow ✨
Oh my, please don’t believe these false flyers telling people to feed bears. A reminder that it is illegal in California and Nevada to feed bears or any big game mammals.
https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/.../bears-dont-need-to.../
BELOW SHARED FROM:
U.S. FOREST SERVICE - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
January 4 at 10:18 AM
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team has been made aware of flyers being posted in the Lake Tahoe Basin that are encouraging people to feed bears and allow them access to garbage, stating “they need it to survive.” This is blatantly false and extremely harmful misinformation that is detrimental for Tahoe bears.
Bears are perfectly capable of surviving on their own, and are far better off without any human hand outs. By intentionally feeding bears, people are conditioning those bears to associate humans and homes with food sources. These bears, baited by unsecured food and garbage, are being conditioned to cross the boundary of safe behavior by approaching people, houses, cars, etc. to seek out that food reward. This changes bears natural behaviors and greatly increases the potential for conflict situations.
It`s not possible for communities in bear country to coexist with bears unless people respect boundaries with bears and all wildlife. This includes not feeding wildlife, keeping garbage and other attractants (scented items) properly secured and away from bears and wildlife, and educating yourself on best practices when living in bear country.
Living in bear country is a great privilege that comes with great responsibility. Please take the time to check out the following resources to inform yourself and help others become part of the solution.
https://www.ndow.org/blog/living-with-bears/
https://bearwise.org/
https://www.tahoebears.org
Thank you for helping to keep Tahoe bears wild!
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
California State Parks
Nevada Department of Wildlife
Nevada State Parks
#bebearwise #keeptahoebearswild
Photo courtesy of Nevada Department of Wildlife.
🦅In honor of National Bird Day, which is recognized every January 5th, we are happy to share this success story of Golden Eagle patient 23-654. This release video was provided to us by our friends from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Patient 654 was found on the side of the road, unable to fly. Our Veterinarian and Animal Care’s intake exam found no obvious signs of injury. The Golden Eagle seemed to have a full stomach, and possibly grounded himself by opportunistic gorging. A reminder that all Eagles are federally protected. Thank you, @usfws !👏
#NationalBirdDay #USFWS #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #laketahoe #successStory #ittakesavillage #goldeneagles #raptorsarethesolution
❄️Porky says - Did it snow? Is winter fun finally here? ☃️
#Porky #AmbassadorAnimal #porcupines #porcupinesofinstagram #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #awesomestaff #laketahoe #laketahoewildlife #SnowSports #Winter #SnowinginTahoe #timetobuildasnowman☃️
The last 2023 patient to enter LTWC is this Red-tailed Hawk, 23-662. He was found weakened and unable to fly. 662 displayed some wheezing during the intake exam, which showed he was emaciated and severely dehydrated. X-rays confirmed no other apparent injuries, such as a break. Fluids were administered for the first 24 hours, and then he was tube-fed diluted protein. He was also started on Albon, a sulfonamide antibiotic that treats possible parasite infections. Eight days in, he is regaining his energy and is finally self-feeding. So far, the protein he is most interested in is delicious mouse. 🐁
#urbanwildlife #ittakesavillage #sierranevada #wildlifeplanet #wildlifeconservation #laketahoewildlifecare #LTWC #Hawks #Raptors #RedtailedHawk #AwesomeStaff #WildlifeRescue #Raptorsarethesolution
Cheers to the New Year! 🌟Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and abundant 2024. Thank you for being a part of our mission — here`s to an even brighter year together!
🎉And on this last day of the year, please help us thank our dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate LTWC staff of 2023! The Wildlife Rehabilitation team, Seasonal Animal Care crew, Facilities & Maintenance, Administration, Education & Outreach, and Social Media team all prioritize the well-being of Wild Animals who need some human help and kindness. Thank You, Staff! 👏👏👏
Here’s to 2024!🙌 🌟🎊
#NewYearsEve2023 #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #GoTeam #WildlifeHeroes #AwesomeStaff #ThankYou #NewYear2024 #LetsGo #wegotthis
🥦Thank you to our local Raley`s for donating produce to the Wild Animals in our care! We appreciate your commitment and generosity! When in South Lake Tahoe, you can visit Raley’s at 1040 Emerald Bay Rd. https://www.raleys.com/🥬
Thank you to all of the businesses that have donated their time, energy, experiences, skills, money, products, and gift experience certificates to LTWC! As donations fund our organization entirely, we remain grateful for your generosity and for keeping the best interests of Wild Animals’ Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release in mind. Thank you for a fantastic 2023! 🎉
#Raleys #GenerousGrocer #LakeTahoe #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #BlackBears #BusinessPartners #SupportWildlife #GivingSeason #LocalBusiness #Grateful
✨12/30/23 Edit: In counting down your Favorite / Most Shared Posts from 2023, the September Raccoons` Bad Fishing post clearly comes in at Number 1! 🎉
As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, we are entirely funded solely by donations. As 2023 comes to a close, we are very, very close to making our annual total fundraising goal! You Wildlife Heroes can help get us over the finish line by donating at https://ltwc.org/year-end/
Thanks so much, we appreciate you!
#LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #GoTeam #wildlifeprotection #LakeTahoeLife #WildlifeHero #LTWC #urbanwildlife #raccoonlife #raccoonkits #AwesomeStaff
#Donation2023 #gratefulheart❤️
✍️Thank you, Frederic Sasway Design, for all your years of donating design and layout services! We appreciate your many contributions - from our logo, entrance & enclosure signs, brochures, mailers, t-shirts, and much more! You can see more of their amazing designs at https://www.facebook.com/Frederic.Sasway.Design/🐻
#FredericSaswayDesign #LakeTahoe #LakeTahoeWildlifeCare #LTWC #BusinessPartners #SupportWildlife #GivingSeason #LocalBusiness #Grateful #SupportArtists #BeCreative
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.
