What to do when you encounter wildlife.
Most important leave wildlife alone in their own environment!
Wildlife is best admired from afar! A good rule of thumb is to observe wildlife from a distance without disturbing them or their habitat.
Sometimes, it can’t be helped, and we may find injured or orphaned wildlife in our urban environments. Most wild animals will view humans as predators and they can attack if they feel threatened or scared. Injured wildlife are already on the defense, and they won’t know you are trying to help them.
What do I do if I find an injured animal in my yard?
Call Desert Willow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 575-689-6711 for directions on how to handle the situation.
DWWRC does its best to serve the Southeast New Mexico area, we have a team of volunteers and transporters that are willing to travel and pick up wildlife for transport to the Center. We couldn’t do it without them!
New Mexico Game and Fish is another good resource: +1 888-248-6866 . They are better equipped to capture and to keep the animal from further injury. They will also have all the facilities identified that are bestsuited to handle the type of wild animal that is injured.
DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE, especially babies
For some adults, offering water is okay. Call ahead to Desert Willow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center prior to any interactions with the injured animal for direction.
Baby wildlife will receive specialized formula and treatment at the Center. Water can damage the babies' kidneys, or animals can be poisoned by foods they cannot process.
Want to get involved?
Become a volunteer! Love working with animals and don’t mind getting a little dirty? Come volunteer with us! 2025 has been a year of growth at our Center. We have had more injured and orphaned wildlife come through our doors than ever before. We are always looking for new volunteers! Help us by doing daily feeds, transporting animals, cleaning and maintenance enclosures, grounds maintenance and generally have fun.
Are you on the road a lot? Become a Transporter! We frequently request help transporting animals from Hobbs, Artesia, Alamogordo, Eunice, Clovis, etc.
Don't have the spare time? That's ok!
Consider donating today
Or become a member!
The wildlife center is a US and New Mexico non-profit organization. Donations and membership fees provide baby animals with formula, medicine for sick animals, bandages for injured wildlife, food for our educational birds, baby blankets for neonates and much, much more! They also help us pay for expansions, updating/fixing enclosures and medical equipment.
Not today?
Follow us on Facebook! Help share posts when we need transporters or promote fundraising and outreach opportunities!
What we offer
Our facility can accommodate small to large mammals, birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians, and other bird species. We have a full surgery area, recovery areas based on the species needs. Our facility is supported by volunteers in addition to our main staff. All the staff is trained to the proper handling of wildlife and their care.
Dr. Samantha Uhrig, DVM, started the wildlife center July 2012, with the help of the board of directors to oversees the funding and finances of the facility. Dr. Uhrig oversees all the wildlife center activities and works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation, Cottonwood Rehabilitation Center, Santa Fe Raptor Center, Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico, New Mexico Wildlife Center, Hawks Aloft, as well as other wildlife centers around the United States, in support of the protection and rehabilitation of our wildlife.
The wildlife center is a US and New Mexico non-profit organization. You can donate through various fundraisers that are listed at the top of this page or by using the "Donate" button on the right. Thank you for your consideration!
Annual Benefit Dinner
