Colorado Native Bird Care and Conservation's tips on what to do if you witness a predator/prey interaction
Colorado Native Bird Care and Conservation feels that we should stay out of natural predator/prey conflicts. Please do not intervene in the event that you witness a native animal killing another for food. Examples of native predators are foxes, coyotes, hawks, ravens, crows, eagles, snakes etc. Cats and dogs are NOT native predators to North America.
So, when do I rescue a wild bird? CNBCC believes that wildlife should be treated for injury and illness that is caused by humans. Some examples are: window hits, hit by car, poison, fishing line debris or other trash, human cruelty, oil spills, pollution, and of course, cat and dog attacks. Truly orphaned wildlife should also be rescued.
*Why are cats and dogs not native predators? They have been introduced by humans as pets and have no place in the North American food web. Predation on native wildlife by domestic cats and dogs is an anthropogenic (human caused) factor that has significantly impacted wildlife populations. In particular, domestic cats kill billions of songbirds every year. Cats have been listed as one of the world's top 100 worst invasive species and are responsible for many bird extinctions. For the safety and well being of your pet AND the wildlife, we ask you please keep your pets inside and/or on leashes, especially during the spring and summer when wildlife babies are easy prey. In the case that your cat or dog does get a hold of a wild animal please be aware that even if there are no visible injuries, the wild animal is most likely fatally wounded. Dogs cause crushing injuries to internal structures that are not visible. Cat bites often consist of tiny punctures that we cannot see. Since the bacteria in a cat's mouths is a toxic mix of harmful bacteria, a victim of a cat bite or one even just exposed to cat saliva, will definitely need a course of antibiotic treatment and supportive care. Please get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
- If a bird is being attacked by a wild, native predator (non-pet animal), leave the area and let nature take it's course.
Colorado Native Bird Care and Conservation feels that we should stay out of natural predator/prey conflicts. Please do not intervene in the event that you witness a native animal killing another for food. Examples of native predators are foxes, coyotes, hawks, ravens, crows, eagles, snakes etc. Cats and dogs are NOT native predators to North America.
So, when do I rescue a wild bird? CNBCC believes that wildlife should be treated for injury and illness that is caused by humans. Some examples are: window hits, hit by car, poison, fishing line debris or other trash, human cruelty, oil spills, pollution, and of course, cat and dog attacks. Truly orphaned wildlife should also be rescued.
- Do rescue a bird that is in your cat or dogs mouth. Why? scroll down*
- If a bird is hurt or ill for any other reason please call us for help. Go to Found An Injured Bird page for directions on preparing a bird for transport.
*Why are cats and dogs not native predators? They have been introduced by humans as pets and have no place in the North American food web. Predation on native wildlife by domestic cats and dogs is an anthropogenic (human caused) factor that has significantly impacted wildlife populations. In particular, domestic cats kill billions of songbirds every year. Cats have been listed as one of the world's top 100 worst invasive species and are responsible for many bird extinctions. For the safety and well being of your pet AND the wildlife, we ask you please keep your pets inside and/or on leashes, especially during the spring and summer when wildlife babies are easy prey. In the case that your cat or dog does get a hold of a wild animal please be aware that even if there are no visible injuries, the wild animal is most likely fatally wounded. Dogs cause crushing injuries to internal structures that are not visible. Cat bites often consist of tiny punctures that we cannot see. Since the bacteria in a cat's mouths is a toxic mix of harmful bacteria, a victim of a cat bite or one even just exposed to cat saliva, will definitely need a course of antibiotic treatment and supportive care. Please get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.