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
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 Tahoe’s 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 can’t wait to see you there! Buy your ticket with the link in our bio!! 💚
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #event #love
Don’t 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 Tahoe’s wild neighbors adapt and survive through snow, cold, and changing conditions!❄️
#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 couldn’t 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. 💚
#wildlife #animal #laketahoe #environment #love
Meet patients #25-364 and #25-365! 🦅
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 they’re 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!💚
#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 don’t 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! 🐿💚
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
Ever wondered what it’s like to rehabilitate baby wildlife? 🦝
Join us tomorrow at Wild Wonders at LTWC at 2:00 PM to hear from our wildlife specialist!
We’re caring for over 13 orphaned raccoons this season, and it takes a whole team to give them the best chance at life in the wild. 💚
Don’t miss your chance to learn, ask questions, and more!
#wildlife #laketahoe #animal #raccoon #baby
At our local farmers market, a woman rushed to our LTWC table with a surprising and urgent problem. A colony of bats had been living inside her patio umbrella. When she opened it, several tiny baby bats tumbled out.
For wildlife rehabbers, this is a true emergency. Baby bats must be fed every two hours, even through the night, to survive. Our Wildlife Care Manager jumped into action, building a special bat box on the spot to keep them safe and warm.
That same night at 10 PM, our team successfully rehomed all 12 displaced baby bats and returned them to their family.
📸 In the photo, you can see just a fraction of the bats that had made that umbrella their home. It is a reminder that wildlife is all around us, often hidden in plain sight.
#wildlife #laketahoe #bats #animal #rescue
Remember our merganser patients? They’re growing fast! 🦆
These young diving ducks are learning to swim, preening to waterproof their feathers, and building the skills they’ll need to thrive in the wild. It’s amazing to see their natural instincts kick in!
#wildlife #waterfowl #fyp #animal #love
Wild Wonders is TOMORROW at 6PM at LTWC! 🐻
Join us for Bears, Bears, & Bears! with our Community Programs Coordinator, Caleb, as we explore the past and present of California’s iconic bears.
Learn about black bears, the history of grizzlies in our state, and more!
This is a FREE, family-friendly event perfect for kids and adults alike! Come learn, explore, and enjoy a fun afternoon!
It’s going to be a BEAR-y good time, see you there!💚
#laketaho #bear #animal #education #wildlife
Don’t forget, TODAY at 2:00PM is Wild Wonders at LTWC! 🦉
Join us for Owl Hour with Avian Biologist Jessica Jones and learn all about these incredible nighttime hunters.
This is a free, family-friendly event perfect for kids and adults alike! Come learn, explore, and enjoy a fun afternoon! It’s going to be a HOOT, see you there! 💫
#owl #laketahoe #wildlife
Welcome to species spotlight! 🔎
This week we are taking a look at the North American River Otter (lotra canadensis). River Otters are the freshwater counterpart to the sea otter, and as the name suggests can be found in rivers. These sun-aquatic mammals spend most of their lives in waterways, using incredible agility useful for hunting and navigating the swift waters. Despite the aquatic nature of River Otters, they are able to run up to 15 mph on land. They can also be found playfully enjoying the snow or mud on the banks of a river.
The diet of river otters consist mostly of other animals found within the riparian zones. They have also been known to est aquatic plants and other animals such as muskrats or rabbits. The metabolism of river otters is high, therefore they must feed frequently.
River Otters use hollows or abandoned burrows for dens. When first born, babies are blind and helpless but within two months they learn how to swim. In the wild river otters live 8-9 years and are typically alone or in small social groups.
Similarly to sea otters, river otters were hunted for their highly prized fur. In some places they still are being hunted. Conservation of river otters continues to be a long process but reintroduction efforts have proven to be successful.
Did you know coyotes could fly? Well… these five did! 🛩️🐾
Thanks to our partners at @weareflyingtails, 5 orphaned coyote pups from @sbwildlifecarenetwork made a special journey by plane to join us here at LTWC.
Southern California is home to a large coyote population, and wildlife centers across the state are seeing more young pups needing care. These 5 are now safe, settling into their new wild space, and, no surprise, eating a ton.
Partnerships like these are vital. When we work together, we can help more animals, even from hundreds of miles away!
Coyotes play an essential role in keeping ecosystems balanced, but these little ones aren’t ready to survive on their own. With many meat eaters in care, our freezer is emptying fast. 🥩💨
Your support helps keep them wild, full, and on track for release!
#wildlife #coyote #animal #environment #laketahoe
A common species we rehab is the Western Grey Squirrel 🐿️
These native Sierra residents play a crucial role in forest regeneration by burying acorns that grow into new trees.
Many come to us as orphans or after injuries from falls or predators. Through careful care and rehab, we help them regain strength and return to their vital role in the ecosystem. 🌲
#laketahoe #wildlife #rehab #animal
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
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.
