Patient 1461 is a good illustration of our procedures and work at PMWC:

Kayakers spotted an osprey, a large fishing raptor, entangled in fishing line, hanging and trapped.   They acted fast - left the kayak , cut him down and, concerned about the power of the bird's talons and their own safety, secured the legs of the bird with a plastic clip. They then zipped the bird into their soft rubber tackle bag for safety, and then called PMWC for help.

At the wildlife center we examined him and made a plan based on his most emergent needs. He was very stressed, which can be deadly to wildlife, so his eyes were hooded while a sedative was administered.  He was dehydrated from being caught for so long, so we initiated fluid therapy.  Once stable, hydrated, and sedated, we treated wounds resulting from an embedded hook and fishing line that caused lacerations.  X-rays were taken to ensure no bones were broken nor any other metal hooks were present. 

The bird needed a few weeks to heal, with antibiotics and pain medicine. At PMWC, every animal gets species appropriate, nutritionally complete meals: for this bird it was live fish, which we procured for him every 2 days.  And these birds make a mess! Cleaning his space was a big part of his care.

It's important for us to return territorial adult animals back to their place of origin.  After test flights and physical therapy, the osprey was released at the reservoir which is his home. 

Not all rescues are so dramatic, but this one illustrates all that goes into a wildfire rehab- medical and supportive care on our part, but also, people willing to get involved, (don't worry, you probably won't have to jump into a reservoir!).  Most rescues are brought by regular people, in their cars.  If you find a hurt animal, we can advise on the safest way to help. Give us a call.