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Rehabitat is an all volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey. We educate the public regarding the important role birds of prey have in our environment so that we may continue to enjoy these wonderful, wild birds for many decades |
What to do if you find a Raptor that appears to need help?
A raptor which appears to be injured and allows you to approach it, may be injured to the point that it would require the help of a licensed rehabilitator. We cautiously encourage persons finding injured birds to bring them to us as soon as possible.
If you find a young injured raptor that is not in immediate danger from traffic or other animals, watch it closely for several hours to determine if in fact the bird has truly been abandoned by the parents. Young birds may fledge the nest several days before being able to fly, and the parents are likely to continue to care for the grounded bird. Wild birds make far superior caretaker and role models for their young. Human intervention is to be used as a last resort!!
Guidelines for capturing an injured bird:
Please note: Capturing an injured bird for rehabilitation is a voluntary action and is done at your own risk! Do not under any circumstances attempt to care for a bird. Possession of any raptor is a violation of state and federal law and will probably result in injuries to the bird.
First: Be sure you are properly dressed. You need to wear heavy leather gloves and thick, long sleeved clothing to avoid injury from sharp talons and beaks. Make note of the time, location and situation in which the bird was found. We will be asking you for this information. Second: Punch small ventilation holes into the sides of a cardboard box and line the bottom with newspaper. Do not put a towel or blanket in the box. Talons can get caught in these materials. Third: Capture the bird. A blanket may be helpful by gently throwing it over the bird. Hold the bird on both sides of the body with wings naturally folded. Transfer the captured bird into the box and close the top. Do Not transport the bird in a cage! Feather damage can occur which will extend the rehabilitation process. Do Not keep a towel or blanket wrapped around a bird after capture! Birds regulate their body temperature by raising and lowering their feathers. Wrapping a bird may cause it to overheat. Fourth: Transport the bird to a licensed rehabilitator, such as REHABITAT. If you are unable to immediately transport the bird, keep the bird in a warm and quiet place. Do Not for any reason attempt to feed or handle the bird. How can you help? Obey all laws protecting raptors and insist that others do the same. Report violations to the PA Game Commission. These birds are valuable in maintaining the fragile balance of nature primarily by keeping the rodent population under control. Just one rodent is capable of consuming or contaminating $28 of grain in one year. Do not use poisons! Once a poisoned rodent is consumed by a raptor, the bird can become blind and die. Along with the public appreciation of birds of prey must come responsibility, including financial. State licensed wildlife rehabilitators are not supported by tax dollars, but are financed by their own funding efforts and donations. Without your support we will be unable to continue this valuable service. Memberships to REHABITAT are available to all who donate funds to our organization, and members receive a seasonal newsletter which includes an update on new patients and recent releases. Please complete the membership form and support REHABITAT. These beautiful birds provide us with much pleasure whether watching a kestrel hovering over a field before dropping on its prey or the magnificent flight of raptors on their annual migration route. Though volunteers at REHABITAT have the privilege of caring for the injured and orphaned raptors these winged treasures can and should be enjoyed and appreciated by all of us. A donation of time and service can be an experience which will be treasured for a lifetime. We have volunteer opportunities in animal care. Fundraising events, educational programs and many other varied activities. For more information on volunteering, click here.
wlooker@verizon.net
Phone: 717-443-5348
Fax: 717-432-7883
The official registration and financial information of Rehabitat, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.