By Jordan Mitchell, March 10, 2026

Save wildlife habitat

In the summer of 2008, as I drove towards Crested Butte, Colorado, a sense of calm enveloped me, mingled with the excitement of the journey ahead. Accompanied by a friend and her two dogs, we made our way along Highway 12 after an overnight camping adventure at the serene Lake Irwin Campground. The verdant landscape was a reminder of the wild beauty that nature offers, yet the tranquility was soon disrupted. Ahead, I noticed a flurry of activity—birds, small creatures fluttering around in distress upon the road. My heart sank.

Upon reaching the scene, a tragic picture unfolded: two young birds flitting nervously around the lifeless bodies of three others. My instincts kicked in, prompting me to pull over and survey the situation. Among the deceased were two adult birds, likely the parents, and another avian casualty, a fledgling—like the surviving young ones, it had been their offspring. It was evident that this harrowing scene had unfolded over time, with the fledglings, exhausted and terrified, darting back and forth from the roadside to the lifeless forms of their parents.

Despite my cautious approach, one fledgling succumbed right before my eyes. Yet, fortune smiled upon me as I managed to capture the other, gently cradling her in a towel on my lap. My sadness for the lost lives mixed with an unwavering resolve to provide care and a fighting chance for this small survivor. After all, she deserved to experience the freedom of flight, just as her siblings would never have the opportunity to do so.

This tragic occurrence reflected a much larger issue—roadways dissecting wildlife habitats, a phenomenon that has become all too common. Each day, countless animals fall victim to the infrastructure built without consideration for their habitats, often culminating in dire situations that leave their young ones vulnerable.

The next hour was a test of my determination as I searched Crested Butte for assistance, the clock ticking away with each frustrating minute. My companion insisted that we should allow nature to take its course, while I felt compelled to intervene. Nature may indeed have its course, but it does not pave roads through forests, nor does it drive SUVs across them.

The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitation

Eventually, I managed to locate a veterinarian and requested her help. After a brief conversation, she graciously agreed to meet me at her clinic to provide care for the fledgling. I departed with a mix of hope and apprehension, having delivered the little one into capable hands. This event proved to be a pivotal moment in my life, igniting my passion for wildlife rehabilitation and ultimately leading to the establishment of the Animal Help Now initiative.

As someone deeply moved by the plight of distressed animals, I’ve encountered innumerable wildlife emergencies during my years in Colorado—ranging from ducklings in precarious locations to injured butterflies. However, much of the time, I came to realize there was no centralized source of urgent help available for wildlife emergencies, especially when away from familiar areas.

Through my work with Rocky Mountain Animal Defense, I witnessed firsthand the sheer number of individuals seeking assistance with wildlife emergencies, further underscoring the urgent need for a more connected and organized approach to wildlife rehabilitation.

Hidden amid the expansive landscape of the United States are thousands of dedicated wildlife rehabilitators operating from their homes, tirelessly providing care to injured and orphaned animals. More than 250 licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers exist throughout the country, along with countless veterinary clinics willing to treat certain wildlife types. Specialized hotlines for marine animals and urban wildlife provide critical resources for immediate assistance, yet a disconnect persists between those in need and those offering help.

The Creation of Animal Help Now

The mission of Animal Help Now was born out of this void: to connect individuals seeking assistance with wildlife emergencies to those who can provide it, effectively creating a bridge across the vast landscape. Our service operates nationwide, often available 24/7, acting as a reliable source for both domestic and wildlife emergencies in states like Colorado and Texas.

Animal Help Now also equips individuals with knowledge and resources, teaching them to effectively handle wildlife emergencies. We guide people on how to assess whether an animal truly requires assistance and provide insights on capturing or transporting wildlife safely. Through these efforts, we empower communities to become actively involved in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Living in Harmony with Wildlife

Awareness of the interdependence between humans and wildlife is crucial for fostering coexistence. Many believe that wildlife rehabilitation solely takes place in a clinical environment, yet a significant portion occurs in our own backyards. Landscaping with local flora, creating wildlife-friendly gardens, and providing resources for animals can play an immense role in ensuring healthy and thriving ecosystems. For those interested in learning more about creating environments that truly save wildlife habitat, myriad resources exist to help guide your efforts.

I am continually inspired by the dedication of individuals who rescue and rehabilitate wildlife within their communities. Their passion imparts valuable lessons on the significance of preserving wildlife habitats and methods for safeguarding local animal populations. Above all, it reflects our shared responsibility to protect the delicate balance that sustains life on this planet.

In conclusion, I am excited to chronicle my continuing journey in wildlife rehabilitation through this blog. There are countless stories to share, including inspiring rescues and updates from Animal Help Now. I will also provide tips for more harmonious cohabitation with wildlife, like making our windows bird-friendly, along with guidance on what to do when confronted with an injured animal.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can create safer habitats for wildlife and ensure their preservation for generations to come. The world can be a better place for both people and wildlife if we take the time to dedicate ourselves to understanding and protecting the natural world.

Disclaimer: This article discusses wildlife rehabilitation and emergency aid options for injured animals. The information provided here is intended for educational purposes, and readers should consult with local professionals or wildlife experts when encountering such situations.