Rescue Hotline: 503-338-0331
Wildlife Rescue
Did you find sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife along the Oregon Coast? WCNC is licensed to treat all native birds and most native mammals. Give our rescue hotline a call at (503) 338-0331.
Learn More:
Seals & Sea Lions
Deer & Elk
Raccoons
Non-natives
What to Do
If you encounter injured, sick or orphaned wildlife:
Be aware that any wildlife species can cause injury.
If you can safely capture the wildlife, cover its head and body with a towel or clothing. Keep the wildlife away from your face and hold it down by your hips.
Place it in a cardboard box with holes big enough for air flow and a towel on the bottom. Close the lid and put the box in a dark, quiet area.
Keep the wildlife warm, especially if it is wet.
Keep human contact to a minimum. Stress kills – you are a predator to wildlife. Leave the wildlife alone in the box; do not handle or check on it and keep children and pets away.
Call our wildlife hospital at 503-338-0331. If you reach the recording, speak slowly and leave your phone number and reason for calling. We will return your call as soon as possible. Please DO NOT use e-mail to inform us of a wildlife emergency.
Do not attempt to care for the wildlife yourself. Please do not give it any food or water without first speaking with us.
If you find young wildlife that you think is abandoned, make certain it is truly orphaned. The parents may be nearby but not visible. Call us before removing any young wildlife from its location.
Stranded seals and sea lions should be reported to the Seaside Aquarium at 503-738-6211.
Wildlife from Washington
New guidance from Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife & Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife no longer allows transferring of wildlife across state lines. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to accept any patients found in Washington. A list of licensed Washington rehabbers can be found on Washington Wildlife Rehabilitation Association's website.
On the Long Beach Peninsula?
We proudly recommend our friends at Peninsula Wild Care (PWC). PWC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that operates as an all-volunteer small wildlife rehabilitation center in Ocean Park, Washington. They serve Southwest Washington, from the western slopes of the Cascades to the coast, and are permitted to rehabilitate small and medium mammals. Currently, they hold a restricted migratory bird permit. PWC is in the process of building a multi-use aviary and an avian-specific cage room; therefore, anticipate obtaining a migratory bird permit soon.
Peninsuala Wild Care
Small Mammal Rehabilitation Center
More about
Who We Treat
All native birds
WCNC is the only rehab facility in Oregon specializing in seabird care, but we are licensed to treat all native Oregon birds. Some species we commonly treat are American Crow, American Robin, American White Pelican, Anna’s Hummingbird, Bald Eagle, Barn Swallow, Brandt’s Cormorant, Brown Pelican, Common Murre, Mallard, Red-tailed Hawk, Western Gull, and Western Grebe.
Most native mammals
WCNC is licensed to treat most native Oregon mammals. Some common species we treat are American Beaver, Big Brown Bat, Brush Rabbit, California Ground Squirrel, Deer Mouse, Douglas Squirrel, Little Brown Bat, Long-tailed Weasel, Mountain Beaver, and Townsend’s Chipmunk.
Donate Today
A Life-saving Gift
Are you wild at heart?
Join our membership program, and make your pledge to protect Oregon Coast’s Native Wildlife. Memberships help support our Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Programs, while staying up-to-date with the latest news from the center, including updates on heartwarming rescues, silly bird photos, and more.
Volunteer Today
Join Us in Helping Wildlife
Interested in donating your time and talents to the Wildlife Center of the North Coast? We’re always looking for more volunteers to join the team!
Volunteering Opportunities
- Animal Care
- Reception
- Rescue & Transport
- Education & Outreach
- Facilities Maintenance