Loudoun Valley Raptor Center cares for sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey 365 days per year.
Our Raptor Rescue Hotline is available from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., every day!
We check our voicemails often. Please leave us a message if you’re unable to reach us and we’ll return your call as soon as possible.
Call or text us at 571-695-0030
Loudoun Valley Raptor Center is permitted and has facilities to rehabilitate raptors ONLY. For inquiries or concerns about other wildlife please refer to Virginia DWR Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators.
If you find an injured raptor, take the following steps to ensure your safety and the safety of the bird:
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Take a photo.
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Note the location.
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Call for help: 571-695-0030
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Do not offer any food or water to an injured raptor.
Raptors have very specific dietary needs and even the best meat available or their normal diet may be inappropriate for a raptor in certain conditions. Often injured raptors are suffering from dehydration and/or emaciation, so food or water may kill it.
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Do not touch the bird unless instructed to do so by a professional.
The less contact it has with people, the more likely it will be to survive. Stress is deadly for these birds.
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Remember, even a seriously injured or seemingly incapacitated raptor can be potentially dangerous.
Even if you are trying to help the bird, it will be frightened and may perceive you as a threat. Raptors can be quite unpredictable. Be particularly wary of the beak and talons.
It is a violation of state and federal law for members of the public to hold most species of wild birds in captivity. Improper diet or medical care can do permanent damage in a very short period of time. “Good Samaritans” are permitted to rescue birds in distress, but must transfer them immediately to a properly permitted rehabilitator (veterinary professionals, and state/federal wildlife representatives are secondary options). Rehabilitation permits are not a mere legal formality – they are issued to people who have completed extensive (2 years, minimum) hands-on training, demonstrated knowledge regarding proper nutrition, husbandry, injury, parasites, disease, etc. and who have appropriate housing facilities.
Injured Raptor FAQs
Q: What happens after you receive an injured raptor?
A: After receiving an injured raptor we start a treatment plan based on its injury or illness and consult with veterinarians at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center or other affiliated veterinarians. After thorough treatment and rehabilitation, we always hope to return our patients to the wild!
Q: How do birds arrive at Loudoun Valley Raptor Center?
A: We receive calls on our Raptor Rescue Hotline, and a staff member or volunteer will either go rescue the raptor or meet an individual who has the injured raptor. We also work with Loudoun County Animal Control (LCAS) and surrounding counties, to transport injured raptors to our center.
Q: Do you work with other agencies or rehabilitators?
A: Yes. We work closely with Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, other local rehabilitators, animal control officers from surrounding counties, Conservation Officers at Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and with representatives from US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Q: Can I help?
A: Yes you can! If you are interested in helping LVRC rescue and transport injured birds of prey consider donating or volunteering.