Living with wildlife April 2020

Even though most people are staying at home, spring has still sprung and there is an abundance of newborn wildlife out and about. This is a friendly reminder to keep your social distancing, even from wildlife. Did you know it is normal for birds to spend their fledgling stage on the ground? It is important to leave them where they are. Removing the bird from the location, even if trying to help, is detrimental to its health. Several times a week during spring, Mission Viejo Animal Services Officers respond to injured wildlife calls. Many of these calls turn out to be baby wildlife and fledgling birds. While the officer will attempt to return the bird to the location it was found, sometimes this is not possible, and the baby wildlife is transported to an already strained wildlife rehab facility. 

Animal Services Officers will respond to injured animals or animals in danger. If you see an injured animal, please do not pick it up. Call Animal Services at 949-470-3045 and an officer will respond to assess the situation.