From time to time, you might encounter unwanted wildlife on your property. Make sure you aren’t unknowingly making your home an attractive place for unwanted guests:
- Secure garbage bins and composts
- Don't leave fallen fruit on the ground
- Eliminate seed spillage from bird feeders
- Feed pets inside only
For help with wildlife problems in Alameda County, please contact Alameda County Vector Control Services.
For help with stray dogs or cats or wildlife problems in the City of Alameda, please call Alameda Animal Control at 510-337-8340.
For more tips on living with wildlife, check out these pages:
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley
Hayward Area Recreation & Parks District
Baby birds
Baby birds that are mostly feathered but cannot fly are called fledglings. After leaving the nest, fledglings spend about a week hopping on the ground and perching in low bushes while their feathers finish growing in. Their parents are nearby and periodically swoop in to feed them.
Unless a fledgling is in direct danger (such as being stalked by a cat or trying to cross a busy road), it doesn't need rescuing. Note: If you have touched a baby bird, just put it back where you found it. The parents will not reject it; this is a myth. (In fact, birds have a poor sense of smell.)
Where to take injured or orphaned wild animals
Before you take an animal to one of these locations, call first. The experts will help you determine whether an animal really needs your help.
Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, Walnut Creek, (925) 935-1978
Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Fremont, (510) 797-9449
Sulpher Creek Nature Center, Hayward, (510) 881-6747. $30 donation suggested
WildCare, San Rafael, (415) 456-SAVE (7283)
Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue, volunteer based, Bay Area, baby animals only, 510-421-9897
See more wildlife rescue centers.
Feral cats