Help native wildlife impacted by heatwave: What you should do

The Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas is treating more emaciated wild animals for dehydration as they are struggling to find water in these scorching temperatures, according to their wildlife experts.

The Center has seen a 20% increase in the number of ill, injured or orphaned animals from this time last year.

Among the impacted animals coming into the Center to receive fluid therapy for rehydration last Friday include a loon, woodpecker, yellow-crowned nightheron and a mockingbird.

The animals will be released once they have been rehabilitated.

Photo credit: SPCA (Yellow-crowned night heron)

Ways to Help Wildlife in Your Neighborhood

At least once a day, remove dirt and debris from birdbaths and fill with fresh clean water.
Put out extra birdseed or suet in your yard.
Check under trees in your neighborhood for distressed wildlife that may have fallen. If it’s safe to do so, place them in a box with soft rags and get them to the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas Center as soon as possible.
Never attempt to feed or give water to any distressed wildlife as they may have other serious injuries.
If it’s after business hours, place them in a quiet environment, away from regular household noise and pets until you can get them to the Center.

For complete guidelines on helping distressed wild animals, please visit their webpage or call the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas at 713-861-9453.

To help native wildlife in the community, visit Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas.