California supports wildlife conservationists

By James J. Chalk Contributor Writer

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is a state agency under the California Natural Resources Agency that responds to emergencies involving large wild animals and additionally organizes habitat restoration and conservation. Every year, thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals require temporary care and rehabilitation to safely return to the wild.

CDFW estimates the number of native wildlife species that live in California include: approximately 68 amphibians, 100 reptiles, 429 birds, 185 mammals, and over 27,000 terrestrial invertebrates. However, the CDFW cannot provide veterinary care services statewide to accommodate the wide range of native species.

Thus, CDFW relies on 84 permitted facilities to solely provide Wildlife Rehabilitation throughout the state. The facilities are operated by unpaid volunteers that rely on charitable donations or fund the facilities out-of-pocket. Recently, facilities have also been able to receive state-provided grants.

The state expects each facility to be self-sufficient in allocating resources. This means obtaining food for the animals, building enclosures, transportation, and even veterinary care services are to be sought out independently.

Dr. Marie Feuer, a sub-permittee to one of the 84 permitted facilities and a Birds of Prey specialist, stated that she relies on public participation to provide necessary transportation services.

“When these animals come in from the public, we go out of our way to thank the public. Because without them, the animals would not be rescued in the first place,” said Dr. Feuer. “The public is willing to drive a long way, so they are really helpful.”

Dr. Feuer stated she has difficulties in providing necessary veterinary care services to the animals.

“It’s really hard to find veterinarians that treat wildlife,” said Dr. Feuer. “There is one vet, but he does not take appointments. Sometimes you will be sitting in his office with a hawk for four to five hours before being seen.”

Leslie Triplett, Founder of Pond Digger Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation, stated she established her non-profit organization to fund expenses for food, building cages, and providing veterinary care.

“We did do a fundraiser this year where we managed to raise $6,000… a significant portion of that went for new enclosures,” said Triplett. “So, the day-to-day feeding, medicine, and vet care is still pretty much coming out of my pocket.”

Bob Everett, Co-Founder and Co-director of Wild Wings of California, stated that ninety percent of birds brought to his organization are from private individuals.

“I am solely funded by private donations,” said Everett. “I have some blessed supporters.”

While these facilities have mostly been on their own, with some help from the public, there is now a new opportunity for them to acquire some funds through the state.

In 2017, California State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 1031 (AB 1031) which added a new voluntary contribution fund to the income tax form establishing a Native California Wildlife Rehabilitation Fund. AB 1031 specified that funds contributed to this fund from state taxpayers would be distributed through a competitive grant program to wildlife conservation efforts throughout the state.

CDFW reports that in 2022, 47 of 84 permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities have applied for and will receive grant funding totaling $547,000.

Dr. Feuer stated she was unaware that such legislation had passed and expressed her excitement for the grant program.

“I do not know anything about that kind of legislation,” said Dr. Feuer. “It might be there. If it is, I am excited.”

Triplett stated she is currently in the process of applying for the grant.

“We have one more piece of paperwork that we are waiting for from the government,” said Triplett. “We are in suspense, I guess, waiting for this thing. Once I get this paperwork in my hand, then I can apply for that grant.”

AB 1031 is looking like a beacon of hope for many wildlife conservation groups, as rising costs and scarcity of licensed rehabilitators have weakened the community. While groups do work hard to stay open, the financial burden can often be too much and lead to them closing their doors. But these organizations now look hopefully to California legislation as they begin to re-earn the finances they’ve invested into the successful conservation groups they run today.