Why do we get an answering machine when we call?
Everyone at CWR is a volunteer. We all work full time jobs and must fit the rescue work around our schedules. If you have left a message and don't receive a call back in two hours please call again.

Why do I have such a hard time finding help?
Charlotte is one of the few large cities in the state that does not have a funded wildlife rehabilitation center. This means that licensed rehabilitators are forced to work out of their homes. This limits the amount of animals we can care for and also places a large burden on the few rehabilitators able to take animals. Many rehabbers are overloaded early on and have to stop taking animals. There is also a high turnover due to the stress and financial burdens placed on rehabbers. The constant destruction of habitat in the state is forcing more and more of our wildlife into urban areas placing even more demand on rehabilitators. If you have had a hard time finding help please place a call to one of your local government offices asking them to support a rehabilitation facility in your city.

What do I do while I wait for a call back?
Please do not feed or water any animals until you have been instructed to do so by a rehabilitator. Birds are very easily aspirated and most birds do not drink water. Feeding an emaciated animal can cause instant death. Please keep the animal in a warm, quiet, dark place while you await transporting instructions. We will find someone to help you so please do not panic. You have gone to this much trouble so please be patient so your bird can have the best chance at life.

Why cant I just care for the bird myself?
Caring for any wildlife in the state of North Carolina requires a permit, and for good reason. Rehabilitators spend years training to provide specialized care to wildlife. Many animals we receive from the public are animals that die from being fed and/or cared for improperly. Please give your animal the best chance at life by taking it to a qualified, trained and licensed rehabilitator. Information found on the internet is often WRONG! Do not trust this when making a decision about the care of your animal. Federal law allows 24 hours for you to get a bird to a rehabilitator, after that its illegal to posses or provide any care.

What kind of birds can you accept?
We specialize in waterfowl but will also accept other precocial and/or self feeding birds. We are licensed for all migratory birds. Baby songbirds must be fed every 20 minutes. We currently do not have any volunteers able to feed baby birds at this time.

I have found a hawk, owl or other raptor?
Please contact the Carolina Raptor Center first. We will stabilize and arrange transport for raptors in our area but only after other options to get the bird to CRC have been exhausted. We are not set up for long term Raptor care.

What can I do to help?
The most urgent need is for donations as we receive no state, federal or city funding. We also desperately need transport volunteers and people wanting to adopt ducks.

I have a Nuisance Duck/Goose problem, what do I do?
First determine whether you have domestic or wild waterfowl. Domestic ducks can be removed and relocated or placed into our adoption program. If you have a migratory bird problem please read the instructions on the Coalition for Canada Geese website. If you have tried these things and still need help please call us. Special permits may be required for relocation and or removal of protected birds.

I have a duck/goose nesting on my property, what can I do?
Nest removal can be carried out, at any time, as long as no eggs are present. Repeatedly removing nesting materials usually will force breeding waterfowl to relocate, build a new nest or nest later in the season. Nest construction may last for several weeks and the first egg may be laid less than 24 hours after the nest is constructed. Once the first egg is laid in a nest, no further action can be taken without an egg/nest destruction permit issued by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. If you have a problem with nesting waterfowl please call us.

I have witnessed someone killing and/or hurting protected birds, what can I do?
Call the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's toll­free hotline number 1­800­662­7137 to report any instances of wildlife violations. You can also try calling the local sheriff's department or animal control. Get pictures if possible, many times people will stop if they know they are being watched and that someone cares about the birds.

I need help with my pet duck or goose, what can I do?
It is illegal for us to provide medical care to pet ducks and geese. Ducks must be surrendered to us for us to provide any care. If you need medical attention please call Carolina Vet Specialists at 704-949-1100 and ask to see Dr. Lauren Powers. She in an excellent Avian Vet and is expeienced with waterfowl. If you have general care or other questions here is a few places to get help:

Live Ducks - http://www.liveducks.com

Pet Ducks R Us - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/petducksrus

If you are not in the Charlotte area and need help please visit Duck Rescue Network

http://www.duckrescuenetwork.org

You can also locate a rehabilitator on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

If you have questions not listed please email us waterfowlrescue@aol.com

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is run by federally licensed migratory bird rehabilitators specializing in waterfowl. We are licensed for all birds but due to time and financial constraints can only accept certain types of birds. Please call us if you need assistance.

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue
PO Box 1484
Indian Trail, NC 28079
(704) 668-9486

Copyright 1999-2005 Carolina Waterfowl Rescue All rights reserved
Please direct any comments or questions have about this website to waterfowlrescue@aol.com