Critters need friends





There are volunteer-run organizations in Malibu and Ventura County dedicated to lending a hand to wild critters in need, from a tiny orphaned baby bird to an owl struck by a car when it swooped down for its prey, from an injured bobcat to helpless infant possums, and other animals who’ve experienced some bad luck and literally have no one to turn to for relief or assistance.


Wildlife Care of Ventura County is a group of volunteers, permitted by the State Department of Fish and Game, that cares for the injured, ill and/or orphaned wild birds and mammals found in Ventura County. They are individuals who donate their time to care for these animals in their own homes. From receiving the animals from individuals, veterinarians and animal shelters to staying up feeding them every two hours, to applying needed medications, these folks are dedicated to lending a helping hand.


For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call their new hotline number at (805) 498-2794.


WildRescue is a nonprofit wildlife rescue organization spearheaded by Rebecca Dmytryk, who has many years of experience and service in the field of wildlife rescue. The organization provides Los Angeles County communities with around the clock assistance with emergencies involving native wild animals, and also helps to solve "nuisance" wildlife problems. To report a wildlife emergency to their wildlife paramedic team (available 24 hours a day/7 days per week) or for assistance with urban wildlife problems, call their hotline at (818) 971-7172.


Dmytryk is also hoping to raise funds for a toll-free wildlife rescue hotline to provide communities from Santa Barbara to San Diego with a 24-hour hotline that will provide callers with emergency information and a way to reach the wildlife rehabilitator nearest them.


The spring months are a critical period in wildlife rescues due to a proliferation of births of young creatures and the tendency for more wildlife to be active on or near busy roadways, foraging or traveling or seeking water. WildRescue is seeking volunteers willing to be on-call from their own homes to participate in rescues, transport of animals, manning the hotline, clerical and data entry.


The group is also seeking to hire part-time staff for the hotline and rescues, desiring applicants who have "people skills" and "crisis management experience."


For more information, call (818) 971-7172.



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