Wildlife Hospital Statistics

Each year we see a significant increase in the number of patient admissions to our wildlife hospital.

Seasonal Admissions

In a single year, the number of admissions follows a seasonal pattern that reflects fluctuations in overall animal activities. Our most active months are typically May, June, July and August. Approximately two-thirds of our patients are admitted in the spring and summer months between April and September. This is largely due to the influx of migratory birds back into the area and because of a seasonal increase in young orphaned animals.

Cause Of Admissions

The vast majority of admissions are due to direct or indirect contact with humans. Very few of our admissions are due to natural causes such as viruses. Most cases involve trauma – collisions with human-made structures such as windows, fences and vehicles, injuries from domestic pets, etc. The category of “Other” includes a wide range of causes including electrocutions, poisonings, shooting, traps, and intentional abuse. In some cases the cause of an injury is unknown, however they probably fit into these same categories. Most of the orphans that we see are because their parents succumbed to one of the previously mentioned causes.

Admission by Animal Type

Avian species make up the vast majority of wildlife patients we admit annually. Less than 30% of animal admissions are mammals, and very small percentage of patients are reptiles, such as Garter or Gopher snakes. Amphibian patients are quite rare. In 2019, we admitted approximately 150 different species of native wildlife to our hospital.