An information and education service to reduce the incidence of orphaned and euthanized native wildlife in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Wildlife Coalition does not rehabilitate animals but informs the public about how to rescue animals that need help, puts people in contact with permit-holding wildlife rehabilitators, and helps people solve problems with wildlife.
Volunteers answer the DFW Wildlife Coalition hotline and provide information about native wildlife to callers who have found orphaned or injured animals. Volunteers also provide information on effective, humane solutions to wildlife problems such as ducks in swimming pools and squirrels in attics. The Coalition hosts training seminars about native wildlife that are open to all Master Naturalists.
2024 Activities – 13 volunteers with 673 hours of service performed
- Our hotline volunteers provide information and resources for wildlife as described but not limited to:
- Provide identification and reunification guidance when appropriate to keep wild babies with wild moms. This directly reduces the number of kidnapped or orphaned wild babies our local wildlife rehabilitators receive.
- Educate on natural history, so our public understands the value of our wild neighbors we share our cities with.
- Through education, we can reduce unfounded fear resulting in the reduction of trapping. Trapping is seldom the solution. Options for a trapped animal are to kill or relocate. Studies reveal that relocated wildlife seldom survive.
- Guide the public as to when a rescue is appropriate and if needed where to find a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for that species.
- Provide DIY solutions to wildlife conflicts that meet the standards of the National Humane Society. The eviction of a wild animal permits the mother to take her young with her which directly reduces the incidence of orphans.
- If the public prefers to contract with a company to evict or solve a conflict; we provide responsible referrals to humane removal companies that adhere to the National Humane Society’s standards for wildlife removal.
- Educate on the proper behaviors and hazing techniques for the public to perform to keep our wild predators, coyote, and bobcat, fearful of close contact to people. When coyotes and bobcats are fearful of close encounters, we all remain safer including the animals.
- Hotline volunteers handle thousands of calls every year with spring being the busiest season.