Wildlife Department

The Wildlife Department is located at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site!

Monday – Sunday, including holidays
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(716) 875-7360, ext. 247

Have you found a bird who needs help? Before you bring him in, please read this information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) >>

Make a donation to the Wildlife Department >>

Become a Wildlife Volunteer >>

Wildlife Baby Shower 2024 >>

Visit the Wildlife Department’s YouTube page >>

The mission of the SPCA’s Wildlife Department is to rehabilitate and release sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, while reducing conflict between humans and wildlife. Our Wildlife Department is one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centers in New York State, located in the heart of Erie County just outside Buffalo! We admit nearly 3,500 wild animals each year, take over 8,000 phone calls, and the numbers are steadily rising. Our high volume of animals is cared for by two full-time staff members, two part-time veterinarians, and four additional part-time staff members…with 150 volunteers!!

Of all animals treated, 54% are birds of all kinds: songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, etc. Our outstanding wildlife cases have included the rehab/release of threatened and endangered species such as Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Least Bitterns, all while rehabilitating the more commonly-seen species, including songbirds, cottontail rabbits, and grey squirrels. Our department provides medical care for domestic exotic animals before they’re ready to be adopted and periodically assists the DEC with capture, transport, and care of various wildlife. The Wildlife Department is instrumental in the training and educational opportunities offered to all New York State wildlife rehabilitators.

Our volunteers do everything from medical care, feeding orphaned songbirds, husbandry care, taking telephone calls, data entry, and more. We intake many orphaned cottontail rabbits and squirrels in the spring/summer—these babies need daily feedings and are fostered by home-care volunteers until it’s time for release.

From box turtles to falcons, gulls to opossums, and everything in between, members of the SPCA’s Wildlife Department can assist with your wildlife emergencies, questions, or concerns. Most wildlife species that are in need can be cared for by our dedicated staff of professionals. Call the SPCA Wildlife Department at 875-7360 ext. 247.

• • • Deer: We do NOT rehabilitate White Tailed Deer. (Please call Fuzzy Scherer at 716-909-8536.)
    • Rabies Vector Species
      • Raccoon: We will take sick or injured raccoons NOT nuisance/healthy raccoons for humane euthanasia.
      • Skunks: We will take sick or injured skunks NOT nuisance/healthy skunks for humane euthanasia.
      • Bats: We will take sick or injured bats and transfer them to Dr. Moran, our wildlife veterinarian, for rehabilitation.
        • If you or your pet may have had contact with a Rabies Vector Species, please call the Erie County Department of Health-Rabies, Disease & Vector Control Program 716-961-6800
        • If you have a nuisance animal, a list of licensed private wildlife trappers and pest control operators is available from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at 716-851-7000.

• • • The best place for a healthy baby animals (squirrel, cottontail, opossum, duckling, etc.) is with their parents. We are always second best for an animal. If the parents are alive it is very important to get the baby back to their parents.
    • Don’t worry that touching them makes the parents reject the animal because of your smell. This is false!

Visit the website of the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council!