Tamarack Wildlife Center

Tamarack Wildlife Center If you have found wildlife needing assistance, please call us at 814-763-2574 and leave a message.
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Eastern Chipmunks are known for their high activity levels. Throughout the day, they forage for seeds, nuts, fruits, and...
06/13/2026

Eastern Chipmunks are known for their high activity levels. Throughout the day, they forage for seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects while maintaining and defending territories centered around their burrow systems. While in care at TWC, they maintain their high-energy levels.

Enrichment that promotes foraging, burrowing, and exercise is provided to chipmunk patients to allow them to focus all of that energy. While they are usually on the move, every once in a while, we catch a sweet moment of Chipmunks resting and sleeping. We couldn't resist sharing that moment with all of our supporters!

This chipmunk is recovering after becoming orphaned. A species-appropriate diet is being provided, along with other supportive care, until it is old enough for release.

Healing for a Red-Shouldered HawkA young Red-Shouldered Hawk, suspected to be female, was recently admitted at TWC. Her ...
06/12/2026

Healing for a Red-Shouldered Hawk

A young Red-Shouldered Hawk, suspected to be female, was recently admitted at TWC. Her intake examination quickly revealed that she had a fractured left leg. Treatment would require careful splinting to help the bone heal in proper alignment and with full function.

The old veterinary coflex wrap, which is wrapped around the leg to protect the splint, is removed and discarded. The splint is carefully removed while the affected leg is supported, and the newly sized splint is then applied. After being secured in place, she is given a ball of gauze to hold in her foot before the entire leg and foot are wrapped again in protective coflex.

Thankfully for her, bird bones heal significantly faster than human bones do. While a human would have to wait 6-8 weeks for a fracture like this to heal, she will heal in 3-4 weeks. Younger wildlife also tend to heal faster than their adult counterparts because their bodies are primed for growth and repair. With higher metabolic rates, increased stem cell presence, and high growth hormone levels, they can rapidly replace or heal damaged skin, muscles, and bone.

This high-speed healing while in care is a blessing, but if left untreated or improperly treated, it can be detrimental to birds. If you find a bird that you suspect has a broken bone, immediate care from licensed professionals will give it its best chance at proper healing and life in the wild.

Our rehab team will continue to monitor this bird's healing, including taking routine X-rays of the affected area. We are optimistic for a successful release back to the wild in the future.

An Eye on RecoveryA nestling Eastern Screech Owl was admitted in May from Erie, PA, after it was discovered with an eye ...
06/08/2026

An Eye on Recovery

A nestling Eastern Screech Owl was admitted in May from Erie, PA, after it was discovered with an eye injury. Upon admission, a full examination was completed, including advanced eye diagnostics to determine the nature of the eye's issue. A thorough visual examination revealed no discharge or feather abnormalities around the eye. An ophthalmoscope was used to assess the interior structure of the eye, including the retina and blood vessels, which were all normal. An eye-stain test was performed to determine whether the eye's surface was scratched or damaged, and thankfully, it wasn't.

With the results in hand, the rehab team began a treatment protocol that includes medicated eye drops 3x a day. We are continuing to monitor this patient for improvement or changes that would require a new course of treatment.

While in care, this little owl is truly showing off the big personalities that Eastern Screech Owls often possess. As small animals that must protect themselves against larger threats, these owls readily display dramatic posturing that makes them appear larger, a variety of vocalizations, and behaviors like beak-clacking to tell threats to back off.

Due to an exceptionally high patient caseload and a rehabilitator requiring a medical leave, TWC is temporarily closed t...
06/07/2026

Due to an exceptionally high patient caseload and a rehabilitator requiring a medical leave, TWC is temporarily closed to new admissions. We anticipate resuming admissions on Sunday, June 14th.

Closing to admissions is always a last resort. However, at this time, we must focus our resources on providing the highest level of care to the many wildlife patients currently in treatment while also supporting the well-being of our small staff.

Please remember that it is illegal to care for wildlife without the proper permits and licenses. If you encounter a wildlife emergency during this time, please contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission or visit www.pawr.com for a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators and additional resources.

We appreciate your understanding and patience, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We look forward to reopening and serving our community again when we are able.

A Stunning Patient is Recovering at TWCIn mid-May, a stunning male Scarlet Tanager was admitted from Meadville, PA. We b...
06/06/2026

A Stunning Patient is Recovering at TWC

In mid-May, a stunning male Scarlet Tanager was admitted from Meadville, PA. We believe this bird was struck by a vehicle, leaving it with a fractured coracoid bone. The coracoid connects the sternum to the shoulder joint and supports a bird's skeleton while in flight. Thankfully, this injury is one that many birds successfully recover from.

It's difficult to mistake the stark red body and jet black wings and tail of a male Scarlet Tanager. Despite its eye-catching coloration, this species is often hard to spot during the summer because it prefers to remain high in the forest canopy. Their main food source is insects, but they will also harvest the ripe berries from blackberry, raspberry, serviceberry, and mulberry bushes, among others.

Scarlet Tanagers rely on large, mature forests for successful nesting. Preserving this habitat will help to ensure that Scarlet Tanager populations remain healthy for many years to come.

Tomorrow is the big day! 🐦🐝🌳🌸🐿️You're invited to join us for our first Biodiversity Blitz at TWC's future home! This eve...
06/05/2026

Tomorrow is the big day! 🐦🐝🌳🌸🐿️You're invited to join us for our first Biodiversity Blitz at TWC's future home! This event will help us to discover the many amazing plant and animal species that call our new property home. Pre-registering for this free event is highly encouraged and will ensure you receive the welcome email to help prepare you for the event. See the link in the comments to register.

An Eagle Joins Tamarack's Education TeamMeet Leuco, Tamarack’s newest educational ambassador! After years of planning an...
06/04/2026

An Eagle Joins Tamarack's Education Team

Meet Leuco, Tamarack’s newest educational ambassador! After years of planning and preparation, Tamarack is proud to welcome a Bald Eagle to our educational ambassador team. Leuco is still in training and will not be doing any off-site appearances this summer.

Leuco, named for the species’ scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus, refers to the white head he will have once he reaches adulthood at age five. Leuco comes to us from a rehabilitation center in Florida. As a nestling in 2025, he experienced a fishhook injury and a concussion. While he has grown into a strong and curious young eagle, a vision impairment stemming from his injuries affects his spatial awareness and makes him non-releaseable. His story is a reminder that our actions can impact our wildlife neighbors, and leaving the environment cleaner than we found it when enjoying outdoor recreation can benefit our wild friends.

Today, Leuco is thriving at Tamarack, and visitors can now see him on display at our Stull Road site. He is an inquisitive bird who especially enjoys enrichment activities such as shredding and carrying favorite objects. He often perches near the front of his aviary, offering guests an up-close look at this remarkable species.

He regularly works with TWC trainers on cooperative husbandry behaviors, such as stepping onto a scale for weighing, and on program skills, such as stepping onto a gloved hand. Thank you to U.S. Steel for helping us acquire specialized equipment, including perches, gloves, and scales, to work with an ambassador eagle.

Welcoming a Bald Eagle ambassador has long been a goal for Tamarack. As a center recognized for specialized care of this iconic species, the opportunity to share Leuco’s story through public display and on-site programs marks an important step forward in our mission. With Leuco, we will foster meaningful connections between people and wildlife while encouraging appreciation, respect, and conservation.

A Second Chance for a Barred OwlIn early May, an adult male Barred Owl was admitted from Edinboro, PA, after being struc...
06/03/2026

A Second Chance for a Barred Owl

In early May, an adult male Barred Owl was admitted from Edinboro, PA, after being struck by a vehicle. Thankfully, a kind rescuer found the owl and arranged for its admission to Tamarack. Upon arrival, this owl was given a full medical evaluation that included weighing, a visual and physical examination, x-rays, and other additional diagnostics.

The medical tests showed that this owl required treatment for a concussion as well as a pelvic fracture. For the last few weeks, this owl has received anti-inflammatory medications, pain-relieving medications, specialized pelvic support to promote healing, and other supportive care. This bird is being regularly monitored to determine how treatment is going. We are hopeful for a successful release if and when the time comes.

Owls are especially vulnerable to vehicle collisions because many species hunt low over roadsides, where small mammals are attracted to grassy edges and ditches. Their focus on prey, combined with silent flight and limited visibility in low-light conditions, can make it difficult for them to detect and avoid oncoming vehicles in time.

06/03/2026

TWC's Spring Newsletter is here! ☀️🌱🐦

Inside, you'll find inspiring wildlife stories, conservation updates, and a look at the impact your support is making possible. Take a few minutes and see what's happening at TWC!

https://tamarackwildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/Tamarack-Wildlife-Center-Spring-2026-Newsletter.pdf

Address

21601 Stull Road
Saegertown, PA
16433

Telephone

+18147632574

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