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 forโand successfully releaseโmore injured and orphaned animals.
Rescue
Rehabilitation
Release
Community Education
What’s New
Meet patient #25-583, a male Mule Deer fawn who came to LTWC after getting trapped in both a chain-link fence and barbed wire. He had severe cuts on his face, especially around his eyes, and injuries along his body and legs from running into the fencing.
Despite how serious the wounds looked, none were life-threatening, and he kept full vision. Our team cleaned his injuries and started pain management and antibiotics to help him heal.
After stabilizing, he was transferred to Sierra Wildlife Rescue to recover with other fawns his age. Heโs made a remarkable recovery and is now on track to be released back into the wild!
Welcome to Species Spotlight! ๐
The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is Californiaโs most common hawk and one of North Americaโs most familiar raptors! Adults are easy to recognize by their rusty-red tail, while juveniles keep brown barred feathers until about two years old.
Their shrill call is so iconic itโs often used in movies for hawks and eagles. With eyesight eight times sharper than ours, they can spot prey from over 100 feet away and strike with talons nearly two inches long! By controlling rodent populations, these hawks play an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy!
This red-tailed hawk was spotted during the setup for LTWC`s annual fundraising gala, a welcome visitor and a reminder of the wildlife we work to protect!
Where have you seen a red-tailed hawk around Tahoe?
Summerโs end brings new beginnings!
This past week LTWC proudly released four of our long-term patients, Common Merganser siblings #25-269, #25-270, #25-271, and #25-272.
Nearly 3 months ago these ducklings were rescued after being found beside their mother, who had tragically been struck by a car. At first our team even searched for another merganser family to adopt them since mergansers are known to take in orphaned ducklings, but no suitable matches were found.
From there our staff provided round-the-clock care. This included skinning and deboning fish daily, giving them โtub timeโ when they were small, and ensuring they had the support they needed during their most crucial stages of development. As they grew, so did their appetites, and thanks to our incredible community, donations of fish helped keep them healthy and strong.
Last week we had the privilege of releasing them back into their natural habitat, right where they belong!
#wildlife #bird #tahoe #animal #environment
Patient #25-694 was a male Dark-eyed Junco found trapped face down in a glue trap, with sticky residue blocking his nares and making it difficult for him to breathe. Upon intake, he was carefully freed, given pain medication, oxygen support, and supplemental feeding. Miraculously, he had no fractures, only missing feathers. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, he passed away after five days in care.
Glue traps are cruel and often catch unintended victims like birds, reptiles, and small mammals. In wildlife-rich areas, itโs important to consider the broader impact of the traps we use.
If pest control is needed, please choose humane options like live traps. Stories like Patient 25-694โs are tragic, but they remind us why making compassionate choices matters.
What an incredible summer at @meyersmtnmarket ! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to learn, connect, and share in the fun. Your support means the world to us. ๐
A huge shoutout to our amazing outreach volunteers, you make everything possible!
As summer winds down, donโt forget to keep an eye on our website and socials for upcoming events. We canโt wait to see familiar faces and meet new friends next season!
Looking for a fun way to support Tahoeโs wildlife?
On October 12, join us for an afternoon of mini golf, good drinks, and community fun at Tipsy Putt, all benefiting the wild ones who call Tahoe home! You can even meet Porky herself!
Play solo or with friends, weโll match everyone into teams of four. Between rounds, enter the raffle and enjoy Porkyโs Punch, with $1 from every drink supporting LTWC. Best of all, 100% of ticket sales go directly to wildlife care.
Prizes for top scorers and standout players, compete or just have fun, everyone has a chance to win.
Every putt makes a difference. Tickets are limited and expected to sell out, so grab your ticket with the link in our bio!
#wildlife #laketahoe #porcupine #animal #love
๐ Rare Patient Alert! ๐
LTWC has admitted a White-faced Ibis, a species we havenโt seen at the center since 2016!
This ibis, patient #25-782, was found alone in a puddle after not moving for several days. Thanks to quick action by rescuers, it made it safely to our center. With fluids, supportive care, and rest, the patient is now more alert, eating well, and moving around!
Staff suspect the ibis became lost during migration, as indicated by its non breeding plumage. With recovery underway, we are hopeful it will soon be ready to continue its journey to wintering grounds! ๐
#wildlife #bird #migration #laketahoe #animal
Welcome to Species Spotlight! ๐ Have you ever spotted a duck with a mohawk-style crest? While the Stellerโs Jay might come to mind first, this weekโs star is the Common Merganser (Mergus merganser).
These sleek diving ducks are often seen gliding along rivers and shallow shorelines. Unlike most flat-billed ducks, mergansers have a long, slender bill designed for catching fish, their favorite meal!
Fun ID Tips:
Males: Striking white body with a green, iridescent head.
Females: Gray body with a cinnamon-colored head and shaggy crest, giving them the mohawk look.
Females are also incredible mothers. They sometimes engage in a behavior called โcrechingโ, where a single female cares for ducklings from multiple mothers! In fact, the largest group ever recorded was 76 ducklings under one femaleโs watchful eye!
Have you seen a mother duck and her brood? How many babies were there?
Progress update! ๐ฟ๏ธ๐
Remember our female Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel, patient 25-704, who was caught in a sticky trap and had the tip of her tail injured? Sheโs doing much better!
She is slowly recovering with us and putting on some much-needed weight. Her tail wound is healing well, and our team continues to carefully monitor her progress. Sheโs on track for a full recovery and we canโt wait to see her back in the wild.
#wildlife #squirrel #laketahoe #love
Celebrate the season with greenery that supports LTWCโs mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release local wildlife!
Order a beautiful, handcrafted wreath or holiday greenery (for yourself or as a gift!) and make an impact right here in Tahoe.
๐๏ธ Order now through November 16
๐ Choose local pickup or direct delivery
๐ฟ Proceeds directly support LTWCโs mission to rescue, rehabilitate & release wildlife
Make this season one to remember ๐
โก๏ธOrder with the link in our bio!!
#wildlife #laketahoe #event #christmas #holiday
And theyโre off!
At LTWC, some patients spend months with us before theyโre ready to return to the wild. This year, weโve cared for more than a dozen coyotes, with several arriving as young pups in the summer.
Last week, four of them finally made their way back home! It was a momentous day for our team, a true full-circle moment after months of care, healing, and dedication.
We couldnโt do this without the incredible support of our community. Every release is not just our success, itโs yours too. ๐
#wildlife #coyote #animal #laketahoe #mammal
Meet one of LTWCโs smallest patients this year, a male Rufous Hummingbird weighing just 4 grams!
Patient #25-712 arrived covered in a sticky substance that glued his wings to his body and left him unable to fly. He was weak, dehydrated, and exhausted, which is especially dangerous for a species with such a fast metabolism.
With a few careful baths, round-the-clock feedings, and plenty of supportive care, he began to perk up. Soon, he was preening his feathers and making short practice flights inside his enclosure.
Heโs now fully recovered and back in the wild, flying strong just in time for his migration journey!!
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #bird #environment
We`re Hiring!!
Do you have a passion for wildlife conservation? ๐ป If you`re looking to join a dedicated team making a real difference, we want to hear from you!
Check out our open positions through the link in our bio and apply today!
Welcome to this weekโs Species Spotlight! ๐
Ever spotted a โseagullโ while relaxing on a Lake Tahoe beach and wondered why a sea bird is here? First, a little myth-busting! There is no such thing as a โseagull.โ People call them that because many gulls are often seen along the ocean. In Tahoe, youโre most likely seeing California Gulls or Ring-billed Gulls.
Though they are often found in larger flocks along the ocean and many gull species do not leave the shoreline, gulls are migratory birds. Some spend winters along the coast and move inland in the summer to lakes and rivers where food is plentiful. The California Gull is even Utahโs state bird!
Next time you spot a gull inland, remember they follow food and seasonal changes, not the shoreline!
Are there other animals that make you scratch your head? Tell us in the comments!
Celebrate National Wildlife Day! ๐พ๐ฟ
Wildlife surrounds us, sustains us, and shapes the world we live in. Today, we honor the incredible work being done to protect these vital species and the ecosystems they call home.
At LTWC, our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release every animal that comes into our care. This year alone, weโve helped almost 800 patients.
On this National Wildlife Day, remember to respect wildlife and their space, never feeding wild animals since it can harm them, and take time to learn something new. Understanding the world around us builds empathy and inspires action.
The world belongs to all of us, plants, animals, and people alike. It takes all of us to care for it. ๐
Will you celebrate wildlife with us?
In less than 48 hours, Wild & Free, our biggest night of the year, takes flight! This is your last chance to grab tickets and support Tahoeโs injured and orphaned wildlife.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, delicious food, lively auctions, and more. Every ticket helps rescue, rehabilitate, and return animals to the wild where they belong.
We canโt wait to see you there! Buy your ticket with the link in our bio!! ๐
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #event #love
Donโt forget, WILD WONDERS: Wildlife in the Winter is happening TODAY! Join us at 6:00 PM at 1551 Al Tahoe Blvd for a free, family-friendly evening of learning!
Come discover how Tahoeโs wild neighbors adapt and survive through snow, cold, and changing conditions!โ๏ธ
#wildlife #animal #laketahoe #environment
Another glue trap patient, Patient #25-704, a golden-mantled ground squirrel.
This adult female was severely stuck, with glue covering her tail, stomach, both front and back legs, and her face. Her tail was degloved about an inch from the tip with bone exposure and active bleeding. Both front legs were crossed and swollen. She had blood in her mouth from biting the glue tray, feces stuck to her vent and stomach, and increased breathing effort. At first, she couldnโt walk or stand properly.
Our team is providing intensive care, including wound management, pain relief, and supportive treatment to help her recover.
Her outcome is extremely guarded, but our team is doing everything possible to give her the best chance.
This year, a dozen wildlife patients have come in from glue traps. They can cause serious harm, please choose humane alternatives to keep our wild neighbors safe. ๐
#wildlife #animal #laketahoe #environment #love
Meet patients #25-364 and #25-365! ๐ฆ
These American Kestrel nestlings were knocked from their nest when a tree was cut down. One arrived with dirt in its eyes and mouth, some swelling, and crackling in the lungs. They were quiet and tired, so our team fed them carefully three times a day and gave them fluids and medicine to get them healthy and strong.
Now theyโre healthy and on their way to release!
Stories like this are why we need your support at our Wild & Free gala on Friday, August 22nd. Every ticket helps us rescue and release wildlife affected by human activity. Grab yours today, link in our bio!๐
#wildlife #laketahoe #bird #love #animal #falcon
Sticky traps are harmful to wildlife and far from humane. They can cause immense suffering for any small animal that gets caught.
Patient #25-523, an adult male Alpine chipmunk, was brought to us after being found stuck to a glue trap. By the time he arrived, he was dehydrated, underweight, and covered in fleas. It took careful work, and lots of patience to free him from the adhesive.
Sticky traps can cause broken bones, torn skin and limbs dehydration, and starvation for wildlife, and most animals caught in them donโt survive.
After our team carefully treated his injuries, provided supportive care, and closely monitored his recovery, we are happy to share he has been released back to the wild! ๐ฟ๐
You can help protect wildlife by avoiding sticky traps and choosing humane options, like enclosed catch-and-release methods, or prevention by sealing entry points. Small changes can save lives!
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #nature
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.
