Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care
Join us for engaging wildlife presentations, special speakers, and family-friendly activities—all for free!
Giving Nature a Helping Hand
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.
Rescue
Rehabilitation
Release
Community Education
What’s New
Welcome to Species Spotlight! 🔎
This week we are highlighting the Western Coyote (canis latrans). Coyotes are the most persecuted predator in North America and are considered by many a nuisance animal. As a carnivorous species, coyotes have fed on livestock, attacked pets, and can often be seen wandering highly populated areas. Coyotes are extremely clever creatures, often being associated with a Trickster Being in Native American Lore. Found in almost every ecosystem in North America, coyotes are intelligent and highly adaptive.
Despite negative press that coyotes receive, they are an extremely critical predator for every ecosystem they are found. Coyotes primarily hunt rodents, such as rats and rabbits. Coyotes also feed on carrion. Both of these help create a healthier ecosystem for everyone by reducing the spread of disease and illness. Coyotes, by deterring smaller carnivores animals, assist in creating a positive impact for ground nesting birds and songbird diversity.
Coyotes are a misunderstood creature. Claims of coyotes threatening humans are greatly exaggerated. For example, a study of a 38 year period found only 367 non-rabid attacks, 2 of which resulted in death. In comparison, annually there are 4.5 million dog bites in the US, of which about 800,000 required medical attention.
Welcome to another New Word Wednesday! 🌄🌅
This week’s word is crepuscular, which refers to animals that are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. These times are cooler, quieter, and safer, making them ideal for hunting, exploring, and staying alert.
Personally, dawn and dusk are my favorite times to observe wildlife. How about you? What animals have you spotted during these twilight hours? Let us know in the comments!
Did you know porcupines are natural problem-solvers? 🦔🧠
Porky, our ambassador porcupine, uses puzzle feeders to stay sharp and practice her foraging instincts.
In the wild, porcupines rely on smell and curiosity to find food! Enrichment like this helps mimic those natural challenges!
#wildlife #porcupine #laketahoe #animal #fyp
Welcome to Species Spotlight! 🐿️
This week, we’re doing a little investigating. Some species look so much alike, it’s easy to mix them up!
Take the photos above. Both of these animals have stripes on their backs, but can you tell the difference between the two?
Most people assume stripes mean chipmunk. But here’s the trick, chipmunks are smaller and have black and white stripes that continue onto their face, wrapping around their eyes. Golden-mantled ground squirrels are larger, with similar back stripes but no facial striping at all.
Look at the photos again. Can you spot it now? Next time you`re out on a trail or in the woods, take a closer look. You might be surprised who’s actually a chipmunk and who’s not!
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #education
Wild Wonders continues TOMORROW! 🐾
Join us for the second session of our Wild Wonders Learning Series: Behind the Scenes of Wildlife Rehab
🗓️Sunday, July 13th at 2:00 PM
📍1551 Al Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
Join Executive Director Catherine Mendez for a free, family-friendly look at running a wildlife rehab and an animal’s rescue-to-release journey.
🪑Bring camp chairs
🚗Limited parking, please carpool or bike
🐶No dogs, please
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #fyp #raccoon
Are you ready for the WILDEST night of the year? Step into the Roaring 20s for a great cause. Wild & Free tickets are now on sale!! 🎉
Join us Friday, August 22 at @thelandingresortandspa for our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year, wildlife need us more than ever, we’ve seen a 51% increase in patients compared to 2024.
Your ticket supports rescue, rehabilitation, and education programs that give wild animals a second chance.
Enjoy gourmet food by Tahoe’s top chef, open bar, dessert, and even meet our ambassador porcupine, Porky.
Space is limited. Get your tickets today and help keep wildlife wild. Link is in our bio! 💚
#laketahoe #wildlife #animal #fyp #love
Did you know the majority of patients at our wildlife hospital arrive due to human-wildlife conflict? That includes vehicle strikes, entanglements, and domestic animal attacks.
Patient #25-506, a female mule deer fawn, was brought in after surviving a dog attack. She arrived underweight, mildly dehydrated, and injured. Her wounds included a laceration under her eye, abrasions on her legs, and a half-inch deep puncture on her rear. Right now, her condition is guarded and we’re monitoring her closely.
She’s alert and feeding regularly, taking her bottle every four hours and even nibbling on alfalfa. Her care includes fluids, pain management, and daily wound treatments.
We’re monitoring her closely and adjusting care as needed. It’s early, but she’s showing strength!💚
#wildlife #deer #laketahoe #fyp #environment
Meet patient #25-240! This young Red-tailed Hawk was brought to our wildlife hospital after a community member saw him get hit by a car. He arrived quiet, severely dehydrated, and underweight, with serious road rash under his chin, along his throat, and up both sides of his head.
He’s now receiving antibiotics, pain medication, and regular wound care. Our team checks on him multiple times a day and is following standard protocols to give him the best shot at recovery!
We’re hopeful for this fledgling’s future! Stay tuned for updates. 💚
#wildlife #hawk #laketahoe #fyp #rescue
Welcome to New Word Wednesday! 🔎
This week’s word is Diurnal, the opposite of nocturnal, which we covered last week. Diurnal animals are active during the day and rest at night.
Examples include butterflies, bees, squirrels, moose, and many kinds of birds.
What’s your favorite animal to see during the day?
You’re Invited to the Wild Wonders Learning Series! 🐻
Every other week on Tuesday and Sunday, with family-friendly fun and expert talks on local conservation efforts!
Our first session kicks off TOMORROW, July 8 at 6:00 PM at 1551 Al Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe.
This week’s talk, The Captivating World of Raptors, will be led by Caleb Cripe, who will share fascinating insights into hawks, owls, and other birds of prey that call our region home.
Free Admission, but donations are greatly appreciated. Donations go directly toward caring for injured and orphaned wildlife at our rehabilitation hospital.
🪑 Bring camp chairs
🚗 Limited parking – please carpool or bike
🐶 No dogs, please
🌧 Rain or shine – we’ll move indoors if needed
Seating is limited, so arrive early! Learn more with the link in our bio!
#fyp #laketahoe #animal #environment
One of them was ready for freedom... the other needed a minute.🐰
Earlier last month, these orphaned Mountain Cottontails were brought into our care after a local resident found them living in their yard and made it clear they were not welcome to stay. With no mother in sight and immediate safety concerns, we stepped in to ensure the bunnies had a chance at survival.
They arrived mildly dehydrated and underweight, but thanks to close monitoring, supportive care, and a whole lot of leafy greens, they bounced back beautifully!
After a few weeks of recovery and growing strength, we’re happy to report that they have now been safely released back into their natural habitat. 🌿💚
#wildlife #animal #laketahoe #rabbit #fyp
🦫 Species Spotlight: North American Beaver
The North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) is a semi-aquatic rodent known for building dams and lodges using trees, mud, and branches.
Found throughout the U.S., beavers play a key role in shaping wetland habitats. They feed on bark, roots, and wetland plants.
They can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes and use their flat tails to communicate.
📍 Spotted at Lake Baron.
If you see a beaver in Tahoe, keep your distance and let us know where!
#wildlife #beaver #laketahoe #fyp #animal
As celebrations begin, Phoenix the Red-Tailed Hawk has a reminder for all of us!
Fireworks may be exciting for people, but they’re often terrifying for animals. Loud noises and bright flashes can cause panic in wildlife and pets. Birds may abandon nests. Pets may run away. Wild animals can become disoriented and injured.
Even after the fireworks end, the debris and pollution remain.
There are better ways to celebrate.
✨ Try quiet light shows, community events, or time in nature.
🐾 Keep pets indoors and comforted.
🌿 Support wildlife rehab centers that protect vital wildlife.
Let’s enjoy the season while looking out for every creature who shares it with us. 🦅
#wildlife #laketahoe #fireworks #animal #celebration
Welcome to New Word Wednesday!
This week out word is: Nocturnal 🦉
Nocturnal is used to describe animals that are most active during the nighttime and rest during the daytime. Animals like owls, bats, raccoons, and opossums are especially fit to survive during the dark hours.
Next time you’re out past dark take a look and listen… you just might be able to spot some nocturnal wildlife.
#fyp #wildlife #animal #nocturnal #education
Favorite part of my day? Porky’s ASMR! 💚
#wildlife #ASMR #fyp #laketahoe
🦅 Welcome to Species Spotlight!
We’re kicking things off with the Osprey, a fish-loving raptor native to the Tahoe Basin.
Often seen soaring above lakes like Emerald Bay, Ospreys nest in tall tree snags near water. Their diet is almost entirely fish, and they’re built for it! With rough, spiny footpads called spicules and a locking tendon in their legs, their grip tightens automatically once they catch a fish, making it nearly impossible to let go mid-air!!
Next time you’re by the lake, look up and turn up your volume to hear their unique calls!
Have you spotted an Osprey in Tahoe? Tell us where!
Don’t blink or you might miss her! 💚
Patient #25-203, the fledgling Anna’s Hummingbird you met just weeks ago, has returned to the wild!!
She arrived dehydrated and grounded at only 4 grams, barely heavier than a paperclip. After intensive care, feedings every 15 minutes, and weeks of flight training and more, she finally took off on her own. Tiny but fierce, she’s now exactly where she belongs!
#wildlife #animal #bird #laketahoe #fyp
Is that a duckling? A gosling? Nope, they’re 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. 💚
#wildlife #bird #laketahoe #animal #environment
Do you like my shoes? 👟
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!🦝💤
#raccoon #animal #fyp #environment
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.
