BIG SUR — A juvenile turkey vulture rescued from the Big Sur wildfires is recovering at the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Salinas.
A California State Parks ranger discovered the bird near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along a closed section of Highway 1. The young vulture arrived at the wildlife center “thin, cold and smelling strongly of smoke,” according to SPCA Monterey County.
Wildlife rescue specialists believe the bird was forced to leave its nest prematurely while fleeing heavy smoke and flames from the nearby Timber Fire, the SPCA said.
The bird is estimated to be 40 to 50 days old. Turkey vultures typically begin fledging between 9 and 11 weeks, or 63 to 77 days, of age.
Weighing about 780 grams, the juvenile is significantly lighter than a typical 2,000-gram adult. Despite the ordeal, SPCA wildlife specialists expect the bird to make a full recovery with “warmth, supportive care and proper nutrition.”
The SPCA is also providing emergency animal rescue and sheltering support for animals affected by the Timber and Plaskett fires, including family pets, barn animals and wildlife.
“As a first responder during disasters, SPCA Monterey County is actively providing aid and emergency support for all animals impacted by the Timber and Plaskett wildfires,” the organization said.
The SPCA is currently sheltering 14 evacuated pets displaced by the fires in addition to the wild turkey vulture.
The organization urged residents in evacuation order and warning areas to take their pets with them if it is safe to do so. Small household pets can be taken directly to official county emergency shelter locations.
Residents needing assistance with horses, barn animals or livestock can call SPCA Monterey County at 831-373-2631 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or its after-hours emergency line at 831-646-5534.
Residents not currently in an evacuation zone are encouraged to prepare disaster plans and emergency kits for their animals. Preparedness information and downloadable toolkits are available at spcamc.org/disaster.
The SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is the only full-service wildlife rehabilitation center serving Monterey County, according to the organization. The center operates under permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and admits more than 2,500 animals for treatment and care each year.
