As temperatures soar in Anderson, California, the Shasta Wildlife Rescue is facing a surge in calls for help from native wildlife struggling to survive the extreme heat. With resources already stretched thin, the rescue is reaching out to the community for support as they work tirelessly to save as many animals as possible.
During the recent heatwave, the rescue has been inundated with calls for assistance. While humans are advised to stay indoors and keep cool, wild animals have no such luxury. The rescue has seen a significant increase in the number of mammals and native birds in need of help, with hundreds of calls pouring in from Shasta, Trinity, and Tehama counties.
Between July 1-3 alone, the rescue received 102 native animals, the majority of which were juvenile birds struggling to survive in the scorching heat. From songbirds to raptors and waterfowl, the rescue is working around the clock to provide care and support to these vulnerable creatures.
Raven Capozzo, director of the rescue, has put out a call for help to the community, and the response has been overwhelming. Dozens of carriers, wire fences, and financial donations have poured in to support the rescue’s efforts. Capozzo attributes this outpouring of support to the tragic loss of the Redding eaglets, Luna and Sol, whose deaths highlighted the devastating impact of heat stress on young animals.
Despite the challenges they face, Capozzo remains optimistic about the community’s response and the impact they can have on saving native wildlife. She emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and the need for continued support as their workload increases.
As the summer progresses, Capozzo anticipates a busy season ahead for the rescue. Those looking to donate or volunteer can find more information on how to get involved on the Shasta Wildlife Rescue website.
In the face of adversity, the Shasta Wildlife Rescue is determined to never turn down a native animal in need. With the community’s support, they are working tirelessly to ensure that as many animals as possible receive the care and assistance they need to survive the heatwave and thrive in their natural habitat.
