Why do we get an answering machine when we call?
We understand that when you have an animal need you would like to speak to a live person.  Everyone at CWR is a volunteer and we have no staff, but messages are checked constantly throughout the day.  If you have left a message and don't receive a call back in two hours please call again. You may also email waterfowlrescue@aol.com or text our pager at 704-668-9486. All calls are returned but if you have a  non emergency situation please allow us a couple of days to get back to you. return to top

Why do I have such a hard time finding help?
Charlotte is one of the few large cities in the state that does not have a funded wildlife rehabilitation center. This means that licensed rehabilitators are forced to work out of their homes. This limits the amount of animals we can care for and also places a large burden on the few rehabilitators able to take animals. Many rehabbers are overloaded early on and have to stop taking animals. There is also a high turnover due to the stress and financial burdens placed on rehabbers. The constant destruction of habitat in the state is forcing more and more of our wildlife into urban areas placing even more demand on rehabilitators. If you have had a hard time finding help please place a call to one of your local government offices asking them to support a rehabilitation facility in your city.
return to top

What do I do while I wait for a call back?
Please do not feed or water any animals until you have been instructed to do so by a rehabilitator. Birds are very easily aspirated and many  birds do not drink water. Feeding an emaciated animal can cause instant death. Please keep the animal in a warm, quiet, dark place while you await transporting instructions. We will find someone to help you so please do not panic. You have gone to this much trouble so please be patient so your bird can have the best chance at life. return to top

Why cant I just care for the bird myself?
Caring for any wildlife in the state of North Carolina requires a permit, and for good reason. Rehabilitators spend years training to provide specialized care to wildlife. Many animals we receive from the public are animals that die from being fed and/or cared for improperly. Please give your animal the best chance at life by taking it to a qualified, trained and licensed rehabilitator. Information found on the internet is often WRONG! Do not trust this when making a decision about the care of your animal. Federal law allows 24 hours for you to get a bird to a rehabilitator, after that its illegal to posses or provide any care. return to top

What kind of birds can you accept?
We specialize in waterfowl but will also accept other precocial and/or self feeding birds. We will also accept most types of domestic birds like cockatiels and parakeets if we have space. We will make an effort to help any bird that we possibly can but we are limited to what resources we have at the time. Email as at waterfowlrescue@aol.com if you have a question about a particular bird and we will do our best to help or refer you to someone else. Email is the best form of contact with questions. We are licensed for all migratory birds. Baby songbirds must be fed every 20 minutes. We currently do not have any volunteers able to feed baby song birds at this time. return to top

I have found a hawk, owl or other raptor?
Please contact the Carolina Raptor Center first. We will stabilize and arrange transport for raptors in our area but only after other options to get the bird to CRC have been exhausted. We are not set up for long term Raptor care. return to top

What can I do to help?
The most urgent need is for donations as we receive no state, federal or city funding. We also need volunteers to assist us with capturing , caring for and transporting animals.  return to top

I have a Nuisance Duck/Goose problem, what do I do?
See our Bird 411 page
return to top

I have a duck/goose nesting on my property, what can I do?
See our Bird 411 page
return to top

I have witnessed someone killing and/or hurting protected birds, what can I do?
See our Bird 411 page
 return to top

I need help with my pet duck or goose, what can I do?
See our Bird 411 page
 return to top