Visit our “Wildlife Emergency” page to learn more about how to tell if they need help and what to do if they do.
The best thing to do is learn how to live with the wildlife and find ways to adjust so that they are not attracted to your property. Examples of ways to modify things include not leaving cat/dog food outside at night, building chicken coops in a way that protects the chickens and keeps the wildlife out, block entry/exit points under buildings, etc. It should be noted that it is illegal in the state of California to trap and relocate nuisance animals. If animals are trapped they must either be released at the same location or euthanized.
Regarding rodents – please note that there are few poisons that are safe to use, many of which are no longer legal in the state of California. Poison does not just affect the intended animal but can affect many other animals that may eat it (domestic pets, raptors, predatory mammals, etc.). When this happens not only are other animals needlessly being harmed and killed, but the exact animals that can help manage the rodent population are removed from the equation. Check out Raptors are the Solution for more information about safe rodent control options: https://www.raptorsarethesolution.org
Here are some links you might find helpful:
First and foremost, it is illegal in the state of California to have any native wildlife in your possession (at any time) unless you hold the proper state and federal licenses/permits to do so. So the answer to “can I” is NO. The better question may be SHOULD you? Wild animals are just that, wild. You cannot domesticate a wild animal; they may imprint on humans, but they will still have their wild traits and habits. Keeping a wild animal is both dangerous for humans as well as the animals. Additionally, wild animals do not fare well being forced into being a pet – they need their space, the ability to grow, mate and raise young, and they require very special diets.
We do not offer tours to the public both because of limitations of our permits as well as the fact that we do everything within our power to keep our animals calm and unhabituated. This means no talking around them or to them, utilization of visual barriers, and as little interaction with them as possible. The goal is for them to grow/heal and be ready to return to the wild as quickly as possible.
If you witness a poaching or polluting incident or any fish and wildlife violation, or have information about such a violation, immediately dial the toll free CalTIP number 1-888-334-CALTIP (888-334-2258), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We work with wildlife only. All domestic animals needing assistance/shelter should be taken to your local city or county animal shelter.
Animals are released as close as safely possible to where they were originally found/rescued.
We offer educational presentations, including bringing some of our ambassador animals, for a fee. Please contact education@goldcountrywildliferescue.org for more information.