Keep This List Handy: Who to Call for Injured Wildlife in Ventura County
Sylvie Belmond 
Image Credit: VCAS
(CLAIR | Ventura County, CA) — You step outside in the morning and there it is.
A tiny bird on the ground beneath a tree. Eyes open. Feathers a little scruffy. No nest in sight.
Your first instinct is to scoop it up, bring it inside, maybe offer some water. Slow down.
With baby wildlife season approaching, Ventura County Animal Services is asking residents to pause before stepping in. A young animal found alone is not always abandoned, and feeding wildlife without guidance can do more harm than good.
If you come across an orphaned or injured small animal, the most helpful first step is simple. Keep it warm, place it in a dark and quiet space and keep children and pets away while you reach out for advice. Do not offer food or water unless a licensed rehabilitator specifically instructs you to do so.
Larger wildlife is different. Coyotes, bobcats, deer and other large animals should not be handled or confined. Keep your distance and use the contact list below to reach the appropriate agency or wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
The Camarillo shelter may temporarily accept sick, injured and wild baby animals while staff work to connect them with the appropriate wildlife rehabilitation organization.
From there, care often continues through a network of licensed rehabilitators and trained volunteers across Ventura County who take in animals that need a second chance.
Many specialize in certain species and operate out of their homes, so availability can vary, especially during the busy spring and summer months. A little patience can make the process smoother for everyone involved.
Below is a directory the shelter is sharing with the community so residents know who to call when wildlife needs help.
Birds
- The Ojai Raptor Center (Ojai)
805-649-6884 - Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation (Camarillo)
805-482-7617 - Wildlife Care of Southern California (Simi Valley)
805-428-7105 - Ojai Valley Wildlife Care (Oakview)
805-758-8190 - Ventura Hummingbird Rescue (Ventura)
805-320-2438 - Baby Birds (Ventura)
805-448-2379 - Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (Santa Barbara)
805-681-1080
www.sbwcn.org
Small Mammals
Squirrels, opossums, raccoons
- Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation
805-482-7617 - Wildlife Care of Southern California
805-428-7105 - Squirrelmender Wildlife Rehabilitation
805-338-0481 - Ojai Valley Wildlife Care
805-758-8190 - Christina’s Critters
805-832-9794 - Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
805-681-1080
Large Mammals
Coyotes, bobcats, foxes, deer
- Wildlife Care of Southern California
805-428-7105 - Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation
805-482-7617 - Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
805-681-1080
Animal Control
Bears, mountain lions
- Ventura County Animal Services
805-388-4341 - California Department of Fish & Wildlife
805-644-1766
Marine Life
- Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute
805-567-1505 - Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles
800-399-4253
For wildlife rehabilitation in Los Angeles County, visit www.laaudubon.org/wildlife-rehabilitation.
For other areas, visit www.animalhelpnow.org to find licensed wildlife rescue near you.
This directory was compiled by Christina’s Critters and shared with the community as Ventura County Animal Services works to raise awareness ahead of baby season.
