Raptor Team Co-Leader Laurel Gunderson holds an immature Great Horned Owl

GRASS VALLEY, Calif. March 21, 2017 – Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release (WR&R) will be offering a class for those who would like to become a volunteer raptor rehabilitator with WR&R. The training will be Saturday, March 25 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at WR&R’s Intake Center, 799 Maltman, Grass Valley (behind Walkers Office Supplies, across from Taco Bell, in the Brunswick Basin).

“Raptors include hawks, falcons, owls, eagles or turkey vultures.  They are amazing birds,” said Laurel Gunderson, Co-Leader for the Raptor Rehab Team.  This training is suitable for those who have never handled raptors before and will also provide a basic review for those with previous experience.  Topics will include: raptor identification, basic handling, initial exam, clinic procedures, hydration and feeding.  This training is required for those who would like to join WR&R volunteers currently assisting with raptor care.  There will be a second level training in April.  “Volunteers work at the raptor clinic in Penn Valley.  Their first duties will be cleaning cages.  As their skills grow, they will be tasked with feeding, giving medication, and treating the birds’ injuries,” continued Gunderson.

Eric Gunderson, volunteer raptor rehabber, holds an immature Osprey readying it for a flight conditioning exercise

“This is an amazing opportunity – to take an injured adult raptor or orphaned chick, care for it, and then be able to release it back into the wild; watching as it flies to freedom as a strong and healthy bird,” concluded Gunderson.   For more information and to RSVP, contact Joan Pancharian, 408-781-9524.   For first-timers the cost is $10 – for current members, the cost is $5.   Those wanting to volunteer will also need to join WR&R and pay membership dues.

WR&R is the all volunteer, nonprofit organization that cares for injured adult or orphaned small mammals, songbirds, bats and raptors in Nevada, Yuba, and Sutter Counties.

Lauren Satterlee, volunteer raptor rehabber, holds a Swainson’s Hawk in preparation for a flight conditioning exercise

For assistance with a wild animal or bird in distress, contact WR&R’s hotline at (530) 432-5522.

Training Available:   Raptor Rehabilitation Basics by Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release
When:  Saturday, March 25, 2017
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where:  WR&R’s Intake Center, 799 Maltman, Grass Valley (behind Walker’s Office Supply, across the street from Taco Bell in the Brunswick Basin)
Cost:  $10 for first timers; $5 for current members
Note:  This is not an appropriate training for kids younger than 18
RSVP:  Joan Pancharian – 530-408-781-8524