Houston SPCA Wildlife Center

Wildlife PSA: Lights Out Texas
As we enter migratory season, thousands of birds move through our skies each night, traveling long distances on their seasonal journeys.
Lights Out Texas is a movement that helps protect migrating birds by encouraging the reduction of unnecessary nighttime lighting during peak migration periods.
Bright exterior lights can disorient birds, drawing them off course and increasing the risk of injury or exhaustion. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights at night helps create a safer sky as birds travel through our region.
Join us in protecting the night sky for wildlife and visit Lights Out Texas to learn more!

The White-eyed Vireo is a small, active songbird known for their bright white eyes and quick movements through dense brush. Species like this play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, but they face growing challenges in urban environments. This vireo was brought to us after being found grounded and unable to fly, likely the result of a window strike or interaction with a cat 🪟🐾

How can you help? Small changes can make a meaningful difference for birds in our community 💚 Making windows more visible helps prevent collisions, and keeping cats indoors or supervised outdoors reduces the risk of injury to wildlife.

Happy Earth Day from the Wildlife Center! 🌎 Today, we celebrate wildlife who rely on us and the community that stands beside them.

Every year, we care for thousands of wild animals, from the smallest songbirds to larger native species, each one a vital part of the environment we all share. From one life to the next, every animal matters, and every action we take helps protect the planet they call home.🐦

This work is only possible because of a community that chooses to care. Simple actions matter: supervise pets outdoors, protect natural habitats, and contact our team before intervening with wildlife so every animal has the best chance at a safe outcome.🌿
Together, we are creating a safer, more compassionate world for every animal who depends on it!

No bigger than a quarter, this tiny turtle came into our care while battling an upper respiratory infection. Despite his tiny size, he is receiving specialized care tailored to his needs. Our wildlife team is closely monitoring his progress and providing treatment to support his recovery. Moments like this reflect our commitment to caring for wildlife of every size. 🐢

This Yellow-bellied Water Snake was found stuck in a lawn drain grate, unable to move freely. With careful handling, our team was able to safely free him, and he was later released back into a suitable habitat.
Yellow-bellied Water Snakes are non-venomous and commonly found in and around freshwater habitats like ponds, bayous, and drainage areas. They play an important role in the ecosystem by helping control fish and amphibian populations, and while they may appear defensive if threatened, they are not dangerous to people.

🎉 SAVE THE DATE: Houston SPCA Open House! 🎉

Experience wildlife up close with educational chats led by our wildlife experts! Join us on Sat., April 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day packed with fun, community, and lots of animals!

🐾 Pet adoptions until 6 PM
🎶 Live music by Barrett Philips and the Houston All Stars
🐴 Explore our Equine Care Center
🎨 Arts, crafts, & STEAM activities
🎈 Free face painting & balloon animals
🎁 Prizes & giveaways
🍺 Beer sampling from
☕ Coffee & lemonade from Bad Ass Coffee

Let’s go back to where compassion meets action—right here at the Houston SPCA. 💙
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If you find a deceased opossum, it is important to stop and check for live babies, both in her pouch and in the surrounding area. Baby opossums often survive even after the mother has passed, and our trained wildlife team can safely check the pouch and remove any babies on site. Many of the baby opossums currently in our care were saved because community members acted quickly. If you believe you have found a deceased mother opossum, bring her in as soon as possible or call us for assistance. Your actions could give these babies a second chance at survival.

This male eastern bluebird recently came into our care after becoming stuck in a glue trap. Thanks to quick action and expert care, our wildlife team safely removed the adhesive, treated his injuries, and helped him get back on track. He is already showing great progress and regaining his strength with the goal of returning to the wild. 💙

Great Horned Owls go through remarkable changes as they grow, and their feathers tell the story. The first photo shows a nestling, still covered in soft down that helps keep them warm in the nest. As they grow into an adolescent, new feathers begin replacing that down, giving them a patchy, fluffy appearance while their wings and body develop. By the time they reach young adulthood, those feathers are fully formed, creating the powerful wings and signature look that help Great Horned Owls thrive in the wild. If you find a baby owl and they do not appear injured, give us a call before bringing them in; our team can often guide you through safely re-nesting the bird.

This Herring Gull arrived from Galveston in a weakened state and was unable to walk due to head trauma. After receiving care from our wildlife team, he has made encouraging progress and is now able to stand. He has been moved to our Outdoor Flight Complex, where he can continue healing and building strength.