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City Wildlife

@dccitywildlife.bsky.social
266 followers 9 following 342 posts

Washington DC's first and only Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Since 2013, we have cared for over 18,000 animals, representing more than 290 different species. Learn more at citywildlife.org

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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
We are caring for >20 hatchling until spring, as they hatched too late for release this year. They will spend the winter growing past the most vulnerable early life stages in the safety of our clinic. Please remember to slow down for wildlife & help turtles cross. Their mom should still be here. ❤️
A hatchling snapping turtle sits in the palm of a gloved hand. It is slightly larger than a quarter, but appears just like a miniature adult snapping turtle.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water... 🦈 These hatchling snappers may be lurking in the water with a monstrous appetite, but there's no need to fear... unless you're a tiny insect, worm, or veggie on their menu! 🦗🪱🥦 #turtles #snappingturtle #washdc
A hatchling snapping turtle's nose and eyes peek out between leaves and aquatic plants in the water.A hatchling snapping turtle's whole head peaks out of the water. A sibling's head also peeks out to the left of the first turtle.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Yesterday's mystery toes belonged to an #AmericanCoot! 💚 Found on a balcony in DC, we believe he crash-landed and became stranded. These birds require running takeoffs across water to fly. With no signs of injury/illness, he was released into a body of water with other coots! #nature #birds
An American Coot floats in water. The bird is all black, with a white beak and frontal shield, and red eyes. Their large feet are greenish-yellow with dark accents, and their toes have three lobed pads each.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Whose toes are those?? 🤔 Comment a wild guess! 💭 A few hints: ❔They are often described as chicken-like. ❔Their lobate toes are specialized for swimming, diving, and walking on aquatic vegetation. ❔They are almost exclusively herbivores. Tune in tomorrow for the answer and this patient's story! ♥️
A bird's toes are visible underwater. The lighting is dark, obscuring the true color of their skin. The toes are lobate with long nails.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
While the boy is done with treatments, his sister is still battling neurologic signs. But with continued medications and physical therapy, she is on a positive trajectory and we are hopeful for a full recovery. This pair will stay with us until warmer weather allows for a springtime release. 🌱
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
What a difference a day makes! 👀 This #EasternGraySquirrel and his sister (not pictured) are our youngest patients in care. After a fall from the nest, they were found helpless on a sidewalk with signs of internal trauma. With treatment, the duo is doing well and growing rapidly!
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
Eastern Cottontails are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the #DistrictofColumbia due to significant population declines. Habitat loss/fragmentation 🛣️ and domestic animals interactions 🐈🐕 are their primary threats. This makes every individual returned to the wild all the more special! 🙌
An orphaned infant Eastern Cottontail undergoing rehabilitation sits among hay, clover, and dandelion greens.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
Cottontails can be difficult rehab patients because they are particularly sensitive to stress. Thankfully, a quiet, isolated, and naturalistic enclosure kept her calm. With medications, fluids, and lots of wild-foraged greens, she made a full recovery and was released in just under two weeks! ❤️‍🩹
An adult Eastern Cottontail munches on wild-foraged greens while looking at the camera. A head tilt is visible.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
This #EasternCottontail came to us weak and struggling to stand. She was found lying in someone's #WashingtonDC backyard. Examination revealed head trauma (that cocked head is adorable, but it indicates injury to the brain 🤕), a facial fracture, and ticks! We suspect she was struck by a vehicle.
An adult Eastern Cottontail stands among wild-foraged greens while looking straight on at the camera. A head tilt is visible.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
We have #CommonSnappingTurtle babies! 🐢🥚 Their mom came to us in summer after a vehicle strike in DC. Sadly she didn't survive, but she laid all her eggs! Now, 36 have hatched and 3 are unhatched. Many were released when the weather was warm enough, but we will need to keep the rest until spring!
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
🫵 You can help save the world's #birds during #GlobalBirdRescue. Join us to rescue & document birds that have collided with buildings. Visit globalbirdrescue.org In DC, also report window strikes to lodc.cw@gmail.com. Alive? Call us at 202-882-1000 (9-5). After hours, call DCACC 202-888-7387 ext.3
A Black-throated Blue Warbler, a Northern Flicker, and an American Woodcock are shown, as well as an Ovenbird being rescued after colliding with a window. Text reads "It is global bird rescue week! Swipe to learn more"A deceased bird lays in front of a glass window. Text reads "Reflective windows kill birds."A window treated with anti-collision markings is shown. Text reads "Make your windows bird-safe. Bird-safe window markings should be: 1. On the outside of the window. 2. Covering the entire window. 3. Placed every 2 inches. 4. Easily visible on the glass. 5. Larger than 6mm in diameter.A live window strike victim sits on the sidewalk. Text reads: "How to spot an injured bird. If the bird: 1. Allows you to pick it up. 2. Cannot stand. 3. Is not using both feet. 4. Is squinting or shutting both eyes. 5. Has open-mouthed or heavy breathing. 6. Has puffed up feathers, or tucks its head under its wings. It needs to be taken to a licensed Wildlife Rehab immediately to be treated."
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
She will need to stay with us until spring when her species returns. Being in captivity so long is a stressful ordeal. So far she's got a good appetite, so we're hopeful that she'll do well. But this should never have happened in the first place. Stop using glue traps! 💔i
A common yellowthroat is held with her wing out at a different angle, showing again how her feathers have been destroyed.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Glue traps are indiscriminate & inhumane! This #CommonYellowthroat was southbound when she spotted a buffet of bugs. Little did she know that beneath was a deadly trap. Several of her primary feathers & her tail are destroyed. She will not be able to complete migration. 💔 #birds #nature
A Common Yellowthroat is held displaying that several primary/flight feathers on one wing and her tail have been destroyed by a glue trap. A Common Yellowthroat is in hand. Her feet have glue and debris stuck to them.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Support migratory birds with these simple actions, and what to do if you find a window strike victim, dead or alive. #birds
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
🚨 Peak migration is here! 🚨 Many more high traffic nights, and sadly window strikes, are on the horizon. Migrating #birds face perilous journeys due to threats like: 🌃 Window/building collisions 💡 Light pollution 🐱 Domestic animals 🌱 Habitat loss & food scarcity Read on for how you can help👇
An infographic shows multiple window strike victims admitted to City Wildlife. Text reads "Peak migration September 22 to October 15. 1,093,700 birds crossed the District of Columbia last night between Friday Sep 19 at 7:10pm and Saturday Sep 20 at 6:50am. Lights Out DC!"
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Thank you so much for your support! 🙏❤️ It means the world to us, and to our patients who we keep our doors open for 365 days a year.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Stay tuned for plenty more squirrel shenanigans. Our clinic will be pretty nuts 👀 for a while longer! ❤️
A baby squirrel curiously peeks out from under a blanket.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
A few groups have already graduated from hand-feeding, now focused on honing survival skills before release back to the wild. 🌳
A juvenile squirrel peeks out from magnolia branches. A juvenile squirrel sits atop a nest box, which they will be soft-released into the wild from once fit for survival.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
These little gluttons keep us on our toes, requiring syringe-feedings of formula as often as every two hours! At the same time, many of these babies are becoming more squirrely and independent by the day.
A baby squirrel lays on their belly while they are syringe-fed a specialized formula. A baby squirrel peeks out of a glovebox while they are syringe-fed a specialized formula.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Check out this post on how you can best help a baby squirrel found out of the nest-- one key takeway is to never give infant wildlife any food or water bsky.app/profile/dcci...
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
The majority are true orphans, found alone, thin, & often burdened by parasites. 🪰 Others are caught by domestic animals or injured in a rough fall from the nest. 🤕 Ocassionally they're also unecessarily taken & fed by well-intentioned, but misinformed, people.
An eyes-closed baby squirrel is curled up. Multiple ant bites are visible on their body.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
We are deep into squirrel season with nearly 50 #EasternGraySquirrel babies currently in care. 🐿️💚 Read this thread for more about these squirrely patients... cute pictures included! 👇 #babysquirrel #squirrelsky #washdc #nature
An eyes-closed baby squirrel has a stethoscope on their chest to listen to their heart and lungs.A juvenile black squirrel sits on a branch eating a sweet potato.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Remember this #EasternBoxTurtle? After 396 days in care recovering from a vehicle strike, she's back in the wild! As an IUCN Vulnerable species (high risk of extinction in the wild), every individual counts greatly. Turtles will soon be on move to find overwintering spots! Please drive cautiously.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Thank you!! We've got to get on top of adding alt text! Everyone deserves access to wildlife! 🙏❤️
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Worldwide vulture numbers have declined by >90% due to threats like poisoning, illegal killing, electrocutions or collisions with power lines, and more. 💔 Without vultures, pathogens build up in our environment and proliferate dangerous diseases. 😷 Thank your local vultures! #birds
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Vulture facts: ❤️ One vulture can eat >100lbs of carrion annually! 🖤 Vulture stomach acid destroys viruses, including rabies! ❤️ There are 23 vulture species worldwide. 🖤 Some studies suggest that Turkey Vultures can smell carrion up to 5 miles away!
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
It's #InternationalVultureAwarenessDay! The DC has 2 species-- Turkey Vultures & Black Vultures. As one of nature's most impressive janitors, #vultures prevent the spread of disease by efficiently consuming carcasses that could otherwise breed pathogens. 🦠 Read on!👇 #birds
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
We talk a lot about making windows safer during migration. But this is a threat to birds year-round! You can prevent window strikes: If you live or work in a building that causes window strikes, SPEAK UP! 🗣️ Reach out to info@citywildlife.org if you need advice. 💚
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
After a few days of treatment, he bounced back wonderfully. A final flight test confirmed that he was ready to go home! He was released at a nearby waterfront park, perfect hunting grounds for these skilled fishers! 🌊
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
On admission, the kingfisher was lethargic and unable to stand or fly. He also had trouble balancing. It was clear he had serious head trauma. We started him on medications, fluids, and oxygen support. We also assist-fed him fish since he was too weak to eat on his own. 🐟
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Windows aren't just a threat for migrating birds! 🤕 This #BeltedKingfisher was found unable to fly on the sidewalk outside of a medical center with a glass facade in Washington DC. There's little doubt he struck one of its highly reflective surfaces. 💔 #kingfisher #birds
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
💫 Know what to do if you find a window strike victim, dead or alive. 💫 Prevent window strikes with the tips on the last slide. Together we can help ensure that these tiny travelers make it to their overwintering grounds safely. ❤️ #fallmigration #migration #birds #fall #animalrescue #urbanwildlife
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
🚨 >1 MILLION migrating birds just passed through DC. 🚨 With them comes a surge in window strikes. >80% of American birds migrate at night. Artificial light distracts & disorients them, luring them to our hazardous cities. 🌃 Learn how YOU can protect these travelers! 🧵👇 #birds #nature #migration
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
A much waited update on this #albinosquirrel from late Dec. She was released in early April! 🙏 The District of Columbia has a uniquely high population of albino & leucistic squirrels. We have high hopes that this feisty girl has continued to spread her gorgeous & rare genes! 🐿️🤍
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
THANK YOU to all who participated in our first $5 Friday last week 🙏💚 We raised almost $500! This is invaluable support as baby squirrel season and fall migration ramp up. Stay tuned for a $5 Friday mid-Sep. If you would like to donate beforehand, see citywildlife.org/donate/
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
From injured adults to orphans, pigeons are ever present in our urban clinic. ❤️‍🩹 While some malign them as pests, pigeons are incredible birds with a complex history inextricably linked to humans. #Pigeons by all means deserve our compassion, and dare we say our admiration.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
We figured it was time for another #pigeon appreciation post! 🕊️ This short thread shows just a few of the pigeons currently in our care. The diversity of their plumages might surprise you! Do you have any interesting pigeon sightings or stories to share? Drop them here! 👇 #birds #washingtondc
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Reposted by City Wildlife
Action Committee for Transit 👣🚲🚇🚍🚊🧑🏻‍🦽 @actfortransit.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Good afternoon to everyone who loves Metro pigeons.
A pigeon on the brownish hexagonal floor tile at a Metro station.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
This post walks through the basics of re-nesting and rescuing baby squirrels. But if you find an infant in need please do not hesitate to contact a local licensed rehabilitator for further guidance. You can also visit citywildlife.org/baby-squirrels for more information.
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
It's #babysquirrel season! 🐿️❤️ Our incubators are already filling up with infant squirrels who are injured, orphaned, or could not be reunited with their mothers. Luckily, most squirrels out of the nest too early CAN & SHOULD be reunited with mom through re-nesting. Read on🧵 #nature #squirrels
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
For the price of a cup of coffee, your donation of $5 on #FiveDollarFriday provides: 🍼 Formula for baby squirrels, opossums, & rabbits 🩺 Medicine for injured or ill patients  🧸 Enrichment to comfort patients and prepare them for release Can't give? Please share! ❤️‍🩹 #nature #nonprofit #birds
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
It’s $5 Friday! 💚 What better way to wrap up the week than supporting local wildlife?  If you are able to donate or simply share this thread today, you are helping to make a difference for our urban wildlife.  👉 Scan the QR code or visit venmo.com/u/CityWildlife #nonprofit #nature #birds
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Last weekend, our once tiny #AcadianFlycatcher was grown up and cleared for release! He is now back in the wild, perhaps currently perched upon a tree branch waiting for the next fly to pass by. 🪰❤️ #birds
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Acadian Flycatchers have a unique sit-and-wait foraging strategy. Perched upon an open branch, they wait for unsuspecting bugs to pass by. Once spotted, they swoop in & feast! We offered a variety of live insects, flighted & non-flighted, to prepare him to hunt in the wild. 🪰🕷️🦗🐛
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
With no other Acadian Flycatchers in care, special attention was given to social enrichments like mirrors & playing the songs of his species. 🎶 He was also paired with a lone baby Carolina Wren. While not the same species, they still benefit from the company of another bird. 🫂
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
12 years into operation, our clinic doesn't see many firsts anymore. But this #AcadianFlycatcher was our first infant of his species! 😮 Admitted as a mere 12g nestling, our staff got to work identifying this little stranger. A positive ID is critical to ensuring proper care. 🩺 #birds #nature
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
With no other Acadian Flycatchers in care, special attention was given to social enrichments like mirrors & playing the songs of his species. 🎶 He was also paired with a lone baby Carolina Wren. While not the same species, they still benefit from the company of another bird. 🫂
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
He does seem like a Woody kind of guy... 🤔 Check out our newest post where we reveal his species and detail his story! ❤️
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
⚠️ Window strikes happen year round, but with fall #migration starting up, we will soon see window strikes skyrocket. Do your part to protect our feathered friends by making windows more visible and reducing light pollution at night. Check out this thread from spring migration for more: 👇
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City Wildlife @dccitywildlife.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Pileated Woodpeckers are highly territorial. As an adult, he most likely has an established territory near where he was found. Just a block away sits a large wooded park. We released him there and he flew off so quickly that we did not manage to get any decent release footage! 😆
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