Most people who live in our Colorado mountain communities care deeply about our local wildlife. It distresses us to see animals in trouble, whether they are young animals who appear to have been abandoned; animals who are hurt; or animals who are clearly not well. Naturally, we want to help. The following resources may be helpful if you are concerned about the welfare of a wild animal. Evergreen Audubon does not rescue or rehabilitate wild animals.
Animal Help Now
Animal Help Now ia a digital app that directs anyone in the US who has encountered a wildlife emergency to the closest, most appropriate help, 24/7.
Wild Bird Rescue & Rehab
The mission of Wild Bird Rescue & Rehab is to rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned wild birds for release into an appropriate territory and to provide rescue outreach and public education. Contact them at 303-927-7348 or info@wildbirdrehab.com.
Birds of Prey Foundation
Birds of Prey Foundation helps injured and orphaned raptors (eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, herons, pelicans, grebes, and ravens) recover, adjust to our modern environment and enjoy healthy, productive, free lives. The Broomfield phone number is (303) 460-0674.
Colorado Native Bird Care and Conservation
Colorado Native Bird Care and Conservation rehabilitates orphaned and injured birds, bats and other small mammals. Beyond rehabilitation, their goal is to reduce the frequency of wildlife injury and mortality and to improve local wildlife habitats. The website has a great deal of useful information. They accept animals only by appointment. Their phone number in Lyons is: 303-823-2326
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
CPW manages wildlife, maintains a quality state parks system and provides outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. CPW does not provide rescue or convalescence services although they will relocate nuisance bears, cougars and moose if warranted. CPW is responsible for licensing rehabilitation organizations and individuals. Phone numbers are: Littleton office: (303) 791-1954; Denver headquarters: (303) 291-7227. View PDF of licensed rescue and rehabilitation organizations and individuals in Colorado
Colorado Reptile Humane Society
Colorado Reptile Humane Society works to improve the lives of reptiles and amphibians in captivity and in the wild through education and action, including engaging in rescue, rehabilitation and release of rehabilitated native, non-venomous species. The website has a great deal of useful information, including a list of veterinarians who treat reptiles and amphibians. Appointments are required before bringing animals to CORHS.org. Call: (303) 776-5206.
Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
The largest organization of its kind in Colorado, Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center treats and releases orphaned, injured and sick birds (except for birds of prey), and small and medium-size mammals. They give preference to animals found in Boulder County but will accept others if they have room. Phone number: (303)823-8455.
Urban Wildlife Rescue
UWR provides on-site removal of nuisance animals (including beavers, foxes, raccoons, skunks and squirrels) and humane solutions to a variety of wildlife problems, in the Denver metropolitan area and the foothills region. UWR has licensed rehabilitators on staff and useful information for handling sick and injured animals on their website. Phone: (303) 340-4911
Veterinarians: Your local veterinarian may or may not have the experience, equipment and necessary licenses to handle or treat wild animals. They may also require payment. Always call first.
Local Animal Control/Local Police Departments/County Animal Control/Sheriff’s Offices (for unincorporated areas); and local and county animal shelters: While these offices may be able to provide guidance, they are not likely to have the resources or expertise to rescue or rehabilitate wild animals. Often the only service they can provide is euthanasia.
In the event of a motor vehicle/wild animal collision: On state or interstate highways, Colorado State Police may be contacted. In most cases, they will euthanize the animal and arrange for the disposal of the carcass.
In the event that there is a dead animal on your property: In Colorado, it is usually the responsibility of property owners to dispose of dead animals found on their property. In some cases, Colorado Parks and Wildlife may be able to assist.
Please note: It is unlawful for unlicensed persons to be in possession of wild animals (which, of course, includes birds!) except for the short time it takes to transport them to a licensed rescue or rehabilitation facility.
Evergreen Audubon does not guarantee the accuracy of this information but every effort has been made to be sure it is complete and correct as of 2/2021. Please contact communications@EvergreenAudubon.org with corrections or additions.