Northern Colorado Wildlife Center

If you’ve noticed a woodpecker turning your home into their personal drum set, don’t worry—there are humane solutions to help! They’re either searching for food, trying to attract a mate, or building a nest. Instead of resorting to harmful deterrents, the best approach is to understand why they’re there, be patient, and take action that benefits both you and the birds. Quick fixes like scare tape and motion-activated sound deterrents can work in the short term, but long-term solutions involve addressing food sources (like insects in your siding) and providing alternative nesting sites by planting trees and providing proper nest boxes. Woodpeckers play a vital role in controlling insect populations and even create shelter for other wildlife, so choosing wildlife-friendly solutions is always the best approach. If you need humane deterrents or alternative nesting solutions, check out our online Humane Solutions storefront for effective tools to help: https://lnkd.in/gVGq4dRj Your support not only helps protect your home but also ensures these important, federally protected birds can thrive in their native habitat.

What better way to start National Wildlife Rehabber Appreciation Day than by making our local wild spaces safer for the animals who call them home? This morning, a squad of our staff, volunteers, and interns set out on a mission to clean up Prospect Ponds Natural Area and Lake Morley-Sheppardson in FortCollins, removing 25-30 pounds of litter that posed a serious hazard to wildlife. Because of the heroes in this picture, these habitats are safer today than when we woke up this morning! The litter collected included fishing line, lead lures, discarded cans, and other debris—all of which can harm wildlife when they become entangled, entrapped, impaled, or ingest these items. Animals like beavers, raccoons, deer, foxes, mice, songbirds, raptors, toads, and bull snakes rely on these areas, and we’re proud to protect them through proactive action. Wildlife rehabilitation isn’t just about caring for injured animals—it’s also about preventing harm before it happens. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission year-round! ??

Want to learn something new today? Check out our webpage dedicated to humane solutions! ?? https://lnkd.in/gqgh2_Fa If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

Did you know that you can donate your Colorado tax refund directly to a nonprofit organization? Through ReFUND Colorado, you can turn your 2024 tax refund into a powerful act of generosity by supporting a cause you care about—like wildlife rehabilitation and conservation! Every year, Colorado nonprofits receive nearly $2 million in donated tax refunds, making a huge impact on local communities. But why is this such a preferred way to give? ? You Have Control – You decide where your refund goes and how it’s recognized. ? Tax Benefits – If you provide your name with your donation, it’s still deductible on your federal taxes. ? Privacy Options – Prefer to remain anonymous? 52% of donors say they’re more likely to give if they have the option to do so. ? Nonprofit Accountability – Only high-standard organizations qualify for this program, ensuring your donation is maximized for impact. At Northern Colorado Wildlife Center, every donation directly supports wildlife in need—providing food, medical care, and rehabilitation for orphaned and injured animals. We hope you’ll consider choosing us when filing your 2024 taxes!

A glimpse into the "wild" life of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Late nights, early mornings, and plenty of tiny, hungry mouths to feed—this is what wildlife rehabilitation looks like behind the scenes! Caring for orphaned and injured wildlife requires round-the-clock dedication, patience, and compassion. This little squirrel is one of many who have come through our doors in need of warmth, nourishment, and a second chance. Each feeding, every medical treatment, and every cozy moment like this brings them one step closer to release back into the wild where they belong. Wildlife rehabilitators pour their hearts into this work, and we couldn’t do it without your support. Every donation, volunteer hour, and shared post helps us continue our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Colorado’s wildlife.

Everyone who brings in a baby shower gift from our registry gets a pin to show off your support! Amazon wishlist gift registry: https://a.co/2XODgLa Show a receipt for any online donations made between now and the baby shower on Sunday! Available while supplies last! ??

At the end of each year and the beginning of the next, our admim team at Northern Colorado Wildlife Center checks in with each regulatory agency and certifier that plays a role in overseeing our operations and services. Many people don’t realize just how many agencies are involved, each with its own rules, statutes, and reporting requirements that we must follow. Some of these agencies require us to submit quarterly or annual reports, others conduct routine or random facility inspections to ensure we’re meeting the highest standards of care, and some even require immediate notification when we receive certain species of animals. These oversight systems help maintain safe and ethical wildlife rehabilitation practices, ensuring that every animal in our care is handled according to the best science, experience, and regulation available. Our team has worked hard to develop a strong, symbiotic relationship with each of these agencies, one that allows us to operate safely within established boundaries—many of which have been shaped by decades of learning experiences in the field. Thanks to this oversight, and the collaboration between licensed rehabilitators and regulatory bodies, we’re able to help more animals and more people in our community each year. But here’s something that might surprise you: while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit is regulated and monitored by these agencies, we receive zero dollars in taxpayer funding, municipal reimbursement, or government financial assistance. Every patient we treat, every life we save, and every community member we help is made possible by the generosity of people like YOU. As we step into 2025, we are stronger than ever, ready to take on the challenges ahead—but we can’t do it alone. Your continued support allows us to remain a pillar of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Northern Colorado. Stay in touch. Stay engaged. Come visit us. And know that we’re here, we’re grateful to be here, and we’re here to stay.

Most of our ambassador animal crew has made their Super Bowl 2025 predictions, and they’re calling it a close game, with the Philadelphia Eagles ultimately coming out on top! Who knows—maybe they’re just siding with the team because of the whole animal-in-the-logo thing… but hey, we’re not questioning their instincts! Regardless of the outcome, we appreciate your support and want to remind everyone that our nonprofit wildlife hospital will be open this Super Bowl Sunday. If you find an animal in distress, we’re here if you need us—no days off for wildlife rehabbers! And don’t forget, one week after the Super Bowl, we’re hosting our Baby Shower Fundraiser! This special event helps us prepare for orphaned and injured baby wildlife that will soon need our care. We’d love to see you there! Who are YOU rooting for this Sunday? Let us know in the comments! ??

Is it just us, or does this goose have better eyebrows than we do? This Canada goose patient, who is currently enjoying some swim therapy as part of their recovery, happens to be sporting some extra distinguished white feathering on their face—giving them the perfect set of “eyebrows!” If you’ve ever seen a Canada goose with white patches or streaks on their otherwise black neck or head, you’re not alone. These little feather variations can occur due to genetics, age-related pigment changes, or even minor feather regrowth irregularities. While not all geese develop them, those that do might just be showing off their own unique style. This patient is still on the road to recovery, but we’re hopeful that swim therapy, supportive care, and time will help them regain their strength and get back to the wild where they belong. Until then, we’ll be enjoying their distinguished presence here at our nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center.

Today, our team admitted a new cackling goose patient from Johnstown Police Department, making it the second goose they’ve brought us today and the fourth goose admitted to our wildlife hospital today by Good Samaritans. This goose was witnessed flying into a window and is presenting with a foot injury and signs of mild blunt force trauma to the head and wings. Fortunately, our team has not identified any severe injuries at this time, and we are hopeful that veterinary care, anti-inflammatories, pain medication, and supportive care will help them make a full recovery. As with nearly all waterfowl admitted during this season, this goose was swabbed and tested for avian influenza—while we are not seeing any concerning symptoms, we test as a precaution to protect our other patients and staff. Avian influenza (HPAI) is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. The virus spreads through contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, so our team follows strict biosecurity protocols to keep all patients safe. For those who find an injured or sick goose, there’s no need to worry—avian influenza does not spread easily to humans. However, if you’re concerned, you can take simple precautions by wearing gloves and a face mask while containing and transporting the bird in distress to your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Remember to always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any animal. This year, our team has admitted seven bird patients who have tested positive for avian influenza. Though the illness is rare in our wildlife communities, routine testing is an essential part of wildlife rehabilitation. Each test costs over $60, and diagnostic work is performed through CSU’s Diagnostic Lab due to our limited onsite diagnostic abilities. Your support makes this possible—funding critical testing, expert care, and lifesaving treatment for wildlife in need. A huge thank you to the Good Samaritan who reported this goose in distress and to Officer Ferris for her continued dedication to both the animals and people of Northern Colorado. Wildlife depends on all of us, and we are so grateful for this community’s commitment to helping animals!