Rehabilitation
If you take care of birds, you take care of most of the environmental problems in the world. —Dr. Thomas Lovejoy
Rehabilitation is at the core of our mission.
Our dedicated Avian Care Team provides each bird with the specialized treatment it needs to recover and return to the wild. Although bald eagles make up the majority of our patients, we assist any bird in need—regardless of species or location.
The Principles That Guide Our Care for Wild Birds
Aim for Release
The main goal of rehabilitation is the successful return of healthy birds to their natural habitat. This means birds must be able to hunt, breed, migrate, and exhibit the appropriate fear of humans to survive in the wild.
Maintain Wildness
Our avian care team works diligently to keep human contact and stress to a minimum, making sure birds stay wild and independent. Handling is only done when medically necessary.
Quality of Life and Dignity in Care
At the Alaska Raptor Center we are dedicated to giving every bird the best care possible. If a bird is non-releasable and unsuitable for education or captive breeding programs, euthanasia is considered the most humane option to prevent prolonged suffering.
Education, Research and Conservation
Every bird that arrives at ARC has a story to tell, and each one gives us a chance to learn—and to share that story with others. To help with scientific research and bird conservation, we keep track of every bird that comes through our doors and note WHY they arrived at ARC. Most of the birds who pass away are sent to the University of Alaska Museum of the North to provide valuable information about their species to students and scientists. Bald and Golden Eagle carcasses and molted feathers find purpose at the National Eagle Repository, where they are distributed to anyone holding a permit to have them. In every case, these amazing birds keep contributing to knowledge and conservation, even after leaving our care.
Collaboration and Cooperation
Sharing knowledge and connecting with fellow wildlife rehabilitators is incredibly valuable, especially since our understanding of proper housing, feeding, disease management, and medication for many species is still limited. Reaching out to experienced biologists and naturalists can provide crucial insights for developing effective rescue and rehabilitation protocols. At the same time, involving the community is just as important. Educating the public and encouraging genuine care for wildlife helps promote conservation and protect the birds we all love.
Observe bald eagles in flight!
Discover our flight training center.
Working Together to Care for Alaska’s Birds
Some of the more common injuries we see are caused by:
Alaska is vast, and our rehabilitation efforts cover only a small portion of the state, which creates challenges in locating and transporting injured birds. To reach birds across southeast Alaska, we work closely with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the many concerned residents who find injured birds and contact us for guidance.
Birds come to the Alaska Raptor Center for many different reasons, but most need medical care and a safe place to heal. Each year, we treat between 150-200 injured birds.
Through expert care, community support, and a strong commitment to conservation, many of these magnificent birds regain their strength and are returned to the wild spaces they were meant to call home.
Collisions
with windows, wires, structures and vehicles
Diseases
Avian Pox, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Aspergillosis
Human Conflict & Environmental Hazards
Types of hazards
- Leghold traps – a starving raptor will go after food in a leghold trap and can become trapped by a toe, foot, or leg.
- Illegal shootings – ravens and crows are often victims of gunshot injuries although, we do still get eagles admitted with pellets visible on x-ray.
- Electrocution – wires can be difficult for birds to see, especially when they are being chased by other birds who are trying to steal food from them.
- Fishing gear – birds can become entangled in fishing lines and hooks which may cause wounds, amputations or death.
- Lead poisoning – Eagles can get lead poisoning by scavenging on carcasses shot with lead ammunition.
- Chemical poisoning – Pesticides and rodenticides that are used to control pests.
Falls from nests
Young birds can be injured if they fall out of their nests before they are able to fly.
Pet attacks
Birds that are attacked or caught by domestic animals, such as cats, can sustain deep wounds that can lead to fatal infections.