As urban areas continue to encroach on nature, the number of encounters between humans and wildlife increases.   The Bend Field Office often receives calls from local citizens with questions concerning wildlife in urban areas.   Listed below are some resources and information that address this topic.

What to Do If You Find an Injured Bird

What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird or Fallen Nest

Resources for Living with Urban Wildlife

What to do if you encounter a. . . .

. . . tangled bird

If the bird is caught in something simple; such as twine or string have someone assist you in removing it.
• Hold the bird in a clean towel.
• Using baby scissors, gently cut knots out of the string/twine.
• If there are no signs of other injuries, return the bird to a bush or shrub;
• Any signs of injury, contact the Bend Field Office and we will arrange to pick-up and transfer the bird to a local rehabilitator.

. . . bird with wing Injury

• If the bird allows you to catch it and does not attempt to fly away, place the bird in a brown paper bag. Then contact a rehabilitator close to you. Or you may contact the Bend Field Office and we will arrange to pick-up and transfer the bird to a local rehabilitator.

. . . bird caught In mouse trap

If a bird is caught in a sticky mouse trap:
• Carefully cover the bird's head with a small cloth to prevent inhalation of powder,
• Then dust small amounts of flour or corn starch onto the parts of the trap that are not touching the bird to prevent the bird from sticking to the trap again or to anything else.
• Uncover the bird's head and place him gently in a brown paper bag.
• Contact your vet or local fish and wildlife office.
• If bird is caught in a traditional mouse trap, and is still alive, contact the Bend Field Office and we will arrange pick-up and transfer the bird to a local rehabilitator.

. . . bird coated in glue or oil

If the bird is fully coated in oil or rubber material and if the material is very sticky, like honey:
• Carefully cover the bird's head with a small cloth to prevent inhalation of powder.
• Then dust small amounts of flour or corn starch on sticky spots to prevent the bird from re-sticking to itself or to anything else.
• Uncover the bird's head.
• Gently place the bird in a brown paper bag. Then contact the Bend Field Office and we will arrange pick-up and transfer the bird to a local rehabilitator.

. . . bird lying on its side

• If the bird is alive but not standing, leave the bird where you find it.
• If it is danger of being hit by a car or attacked by pets, very carefully move the bird under a bush or other out-of-the way protected area.

. . . bird caught in your house

• Lock all pets away.
• Darken room by closing blinds, shades, doors.
• Leave only one exit (large, bright, sunny) opening for the bird to fly out.
• Contact a local wildlife agency*, or check your yellow pages to find a licensed wildlife control company.

*Bend Field Office, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 541-383-7146
*High Desert Region Office, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 541-388-6363

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What to do if you find a . . . .

. . . baby bird

If you find a young bird on the ground it is best to leave it alone. If it seems threatened, place it under a shrub or, if possible back in the nest.

Often the mother is nearby trying to feed it, and it is a natural event for a young bird to fall out of the nest while learning how to fly. When handling birds use gloves. Do not take wild birds into your home. Mother birds will eventually reclaim their young, and they do a much better job raising their young than we ever could!

• If the young bird is hopping and running away from you, leave it be. His parents will find him.
• If he is in immediate danger of outdoor pets, scoop him up (wearing gloves!) and put him in a nearby bush or shrub out of harm's way.
• If you find a baby with little or no feathers and you know where the nest is, then return the bird to its' nest.
• If the baby/fledgling is cold to the touch, take it inside to warm before placing back in the nest.
• Nestle the bird in a warm towel or use a hot water bottle with a towel between the bird and the bottle.
• Place the bird in a warm dark, quiet place away from children and pets.
• Do not attempt to feed baby birds or fledglings.
• If you cannot find the nest or the bird appears to be sick, injured or your pet brought the bird home still alive, then call a local wildlife agency close to you.

. . . bird nest destroyed

• If the nest has been destroyed, you can construct a makeshift nest using a small basket or Cool Whip container.
• Put holes in the bottom of the container for drainage.
• Line the container with material from the old nest or dry grass or leaves.
• Wire your nest to a branch or place it securely in a branch fork close to or in the same spot as the old nest.
• If you are not sure where the original nest was situated, find a safe place in bushes or trees where pets cannot get to it. (If there are baby birds present, place them into the new nest.)
• Do not attempt to feed baby birds or fledglings.

. . . bird's egg

• If wind knocked the egg out of a nest, and you can locate the nest, gently place the egg back into the nest.
• If the nest cannot be found, place the egg under a small shrub or bush our of harm's way.

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Resources for Living with Urban Wildlife

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Birds
Backyard Bird Feeding
Backyard Bird Problems
Migratory Songbirds

Audubon Society
Urban Wildlife Information
Brochures on coyotes, crows, squirrels, raccoons, and many more

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Critter-Proof Your Home
Creating Wildlife-Friendly Habitat
Managing Conflicts with Wildlife
Whom to Call for Assistance
Brochure (pdf)

PAWS - People Helping Animals
Effects of Feeding Wildlife
Wildlife Fact Sheets

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