Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary relocates injured and orphaned birds and wildlife to their natural habitat after plenty of rest, relaxation and care. Located on 36 privately owned and semi-remote acres, Snowdon is bordered by forest and wilderness areas, making it unique in its ability to nurse animals back to health. Just five years in operation, the sanctuary has treated and released bear, fox, deer, raccoon, badger and mink. Snowdon also treats birds of prey, such as osprey and hawks. Only after full recovery, and a slow re-acquaintance to the wild, are animals ever returned to the wild.
Some of the animals cannot be returned to their natural habitat due to intense injury and are kept as permanent sanctuary residents. These few animals make special appearances at schools, parks and community groups to educate the public about wildlife and its importance to the environment.
Due to the rapid population growth in Idaho, and the resulting pressure on local wildlife, many animals at Snowdon are the direct result of human expansion. More than 90 percent of animals turned into rehabilitation are the direct result of human activity: Animals are often injured by cares and powerlines, tangled in fences or poisoned through careless use of pesticides and herbicides. Sometimes they are shot for "sport," and many times, trash causes death. Finally, good intentions are a large reason for many of the non-human visitors to Snowdon. Deer and many other animals and birds hide their young while they go off to feed. After finding what appears to be an abandoned baby animal, Snowdon staffers recommend ensuring that the mother is dead. No "rehaber" is ever as good as an animal's own mother. If the dead mother cannot be found, you can observe the situation for 6 to 12 hours from a distance to avoid frightening the returning mother. Remember, if you care, leave them there!
If you are sure an animal is in trouble, Snowdon is there to help. Snowdon is licensed by Idaho Fish and Game, works closely with US Fish and Wildlife, and is a member of the International council. A non-profit organization, Snowdon is financially dependent on private contributions and volunteers.
Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary is located at
Box 1731,
McCall, Idaho, 83638.
(208) 634-5023.
(208) 344-0468.
If you find an animal in trouble in Idaho, call:
(208) 634-5023 (radio phone);
Animals in Distress (208) 344-0468 or
Idaho Fish & Game (208) 634-8137