Wildlife

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter responds to dead and injured wildlife within the County of Santa Cruz, City of Santa Cruz, City of Scotts Valley, and the City of Watsonville. The City of Capitola provides both animal control services to their residents through their Police Department.

Sometimes wild animals can be rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Before contacting the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, please contact Wild Rescue at www.wildlifeservices.org; for wildlife conflicts or emergencies call 831-498-9453. Native Animal Rescue can be found at www.nativeanimalrescue.org or call 831-462-0726 to see if the animal you have found can be rehabilitated. All juvenile wild mammals, as well as adult or juvenile birds can be transported to Native Animal Rescue between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at 1855 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz. If these organizations are unable to rescue the animal, our officers will humanely euthanize the animal to help alleviate its suffering.

Native Animal Rescue also has tips on dealing positively with healthy or nuisance wildlife. Please check their website for more information.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for managing native fish, plant species, wildlife and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value and their benefits to people. For more information please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Please report marine mammals that appear to be ill, abandoned or in danger to the Marine Mammal Center at 415-289-7325 (SEAL).