Injured or Found Birds
Please refer to the contact options for each circumstance if you have questions or need guidance about orphaned, apparently injured or ill, or potentially nuisance birds of prey (raptors) in the state of Idaho. The Raptor Research Center (RRC) focuses on research and education and does not provide wildlife rescue services.
The RRC provides links and contact information for your convenience but does not control or endorse the websites and is not responsible for the content, links, privacy policy, or security policy on the linked websites.
Apparently Injured or Ill Birds
Federally Permitted Rehabilitators:
If raptors (or other birds) are found that appear to be injured or ill, locate a federally permitted migratory bird rehabilitation facility near you. It is recommended to get birds to the closest rehabilitator as soon as possible, particularly when experiencing an outbreak such as the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Click the “Find a Migratory Bird Rehab Facility” button to use the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s excellent, up-to-date bird rehabilitation locator tool.
Immediate Medical Treatment:
Contact one of the following clinics in Idaho if you cannot reach a nearby rehabilitator and a bird appears to need immediate medical treatment. Veterinarians are authorized to do basic triage, stabilization, and transfer, but not rehabilitation without a rehabilitation permit.
- Treasure Valley Veterinary Hospital
2600 S. Meridian Rd., Meridian, ID
(208) 888-4844 - Long Valley Vet Clinic – Janet Houlihan
13712 Highway 55, McCall, ID
(208) 634-2660
Other Sources of Help and Information in Idaho:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Columbia-Pacific Northwest (Legacy Region 1)
Permit Office: (503) 872-2715 | permitsr1mb@fws.gov - Idaho Department of Fish and Game – See Office/Region Locations for local contact info
- Ruth Melichar Bird Center – (208) 338-0897 (Hotline number)
4650 N. 36th St., Boise - Animals in Distress Association – (208) 367-1026
Young or Nuisance Raptors
Found Chicks or Nestlings:
If raptor chicks or nestlings are found outside of a nest, attempt to locate the nearby nest and replace them in the nest if it is accessible. If the nest is not accessible, place young raptors in nearby cover for the parents to find or leave the chicks or fledglings alone.
Potentially Nuisance Birds:
Contact the following agencies with questions, permit requests, and reports regarding a raptor that is considered aggressive, a nuisance, or a potential threat.
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- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Columbia-Pacific Northwest (Legacy Region 1)
Permit Office: (503) 872-2715 | permitsr1mb@fws.gov - Idaho Department of Fish and Game – See Office/Region Locations for local contact info
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services – Toll-Free Number (866) 487-3297
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service