Wildlife rescue hotline launched

WildRescue, a nonprofit wildlife organization based in Malibu, has launched an emergency hotline designed to help people who find injured wild animals.

Based on a caller's area code, the tollfree hotline, (866) WILD911 (866-945-3911), will provide the number of the nearest rescue organization or wildlife rehabilitator specializing in the type of animal found. Tutorials guide users on initial things they can do to help an animal and how to stay safe while doing so.

Rebecca Dmytryk, project director of WildRescue, designed the system. "Historically, the biggest issue has been getting the public in touch with the wildlife specialist who can help," said Dmytryk, who has been in the field of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation for more than 20 years. "This hotline service will bridge that gap."

Caring for a debilitated wild animal requires years of experience, knowledge, special caging and the necessary state and federal permits to do so. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are qualified to evaluate a wild animal's condition and provide the proper care and housing necessary for it to be returned to the wild. In Los Angeles area there are currently eight accredited centers.

According to Dmytryk, each year approximately 70,000 wild animals are found sick, injured or orphaned in the Los Angeles region. "A large percentage of them die from improper handling; others are needlessly destroyed by animal control agencies," said Dmytryk, who expects her new service to expedite the transfer of wildlife to accredited rehabilitation facilities and reduce the number of animals turned over to shelters.

In addition to helping injured wildlife, Dmytryk hopes the hotline's tutorials will cut down on baby bird nabbing by educating the public on the importance of allowing fledgling birds to remain on the ground in the care of their wild parents- a critical stage in a bird's development.

While the hotline makes its debut in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, Dmytryk hopes to one day provide service to all of California. In the meantime, she is focused on securing funds to cover the hotline's projected operating expenses for the first two years.

Anyone interested in making a donation is asked to call her at WildRescue, (818) 222-WILD (9453) or by mail at PO Box 2, Malibu, CA 90265.