Buck Wild Animal Rescue and Wildlife Rehab

06/11/2026

We received updates from TPWD today regarding wildlife and rehab status. We are still fully open and operational, and able to continue wildlife intakes from our own county, and any other county except other quarantined zones.

To prevent the spread of screwworm, we will not be doing intake from other quarantined counties out of abundance of caution. Other than that we are cleared to continue wildlife rescue and rehab operations as normal.

We are the only permitted facility in Kerr county, this means we are going to need more help as warm-blooded wildlife can not be transported out of our county to other rehab facilities.

We have open volunteer shifts, many ways to donate, and lots of ways to get involved if you’d like to support our mission!

PayPal.me/buckwildrescue

For volunteer inquiries email [email protected]
or text 830-739-1363

06/11/2026

BIRD ABDUCTIONS happen often this time of year.

This happens when well meaning people “think” that since a bird can’t fly, it must be injured.
If you find a bird on the ground, fully feathered, able to hop, eyes open, it is likely a fledgling, like this young Eastern Screech Owl. They are not as capable as the adults at this stage, and they are still mastering flight abilities. Since they are young, they have no reason to know any better to avoid humans, dogs, or other wildlife. They are still learning.
While it may feel uncomfortable to see a baby bird on the ground, please know that this is a normal part of development. They are usually being overseen by their parents, however, with Owl species, often the adults are resting and trying to not draw attention to themselves during the daylight hours. Baby owls don’t have that awareness, and are often out and about during the day.
If you see a lot of flies landing on an animal, or blood, or something out of symmetry, then chances are there is a problem and that is when to intervene. If a youngster is in a dangerous area that involves road traffic, kids, dogs, etc. it is ok to gently place the bird in underbrush away from danger, or on a low branch off the ground.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTAIN AND FEED OR OFFER LIQUIDS OF ANY KIND! It is ok to text a Wildlife Rehabilitator for advice and consult if you are unsure.

This little cutie is fine.

06/10/2026

KNOW HOW TO DETECT NEW WORLD SCREWWORM IN ANIMALS. Continued awareness and early identification remain critical to preventing its spread.

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

What you need to know to protect your animals in Texas. New cases should be reported to TPWD immediately. Here are some reference photos for identifying appearances and differences between the different maggots. A veterinarian or your local game warden can assist you.

If you suspect screwworm infestation:

Contact Authorities:
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) for livestock and pets: 800-550-8242
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for wildlife: 512-389-4505
Notify your private veterinarian.
Do not delay reporting. Early detection limits spread and minimizes long-term consequences.

“New World screwworm is the larval stage (maggot) of the parasitic blowfly Cochliomyia hominivorax. While most common fly maggots feed on dead or decaying organic matter, New World screwworm maggots are dangerous parasites that feed exclusively on the living tissue and flesh of warm-blooded animals (including livestock, pets, and humans).“ Texas Animal Health Commission

Is the media over-hyping this? No. There’s no need for panic, but there is potential for this to become a major problem. Being informed can help to limit spread!

We are in Kerrville, most of you reading this will be locals to the hill country. We are very near to the few confirmed cases in Texas. There are 3 cases confirmed so far.

Gillespie County: One goat (detected in the Hill Country).
La Salle County: One calf (southwest of San Antonio).
Zavala County: Two calves (the initial cases were found here in South Texas). MySA News

The female fly is most attracted to a freshly bleeding open wound, sores, genitalia, and even newly sutured surgical sites. The larvae feed exclusively on live flesh. Ensuring your animals have no bleeding or exposed wounds, even minor tick bites, is the best method of prevention. Keep pets and livestock managed on preventatives.

“If you or your animals have any wounds—new or old—it is critical to keep them clean, treated, and covered to prevent fly access.” Centers for Disease Control

reliable sources to stay up to date:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status
https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/diseases/screwworm/

06/06/2026

06/03/2026

a very important message.
A fawn’s mother will leave her baby unattended for hours every day. 99% of the time, the baby does not need your help. Mom will return to feed and move her baby. Leave them be

06/03/2026

Little orphaned whitetail made a stop at Kerrville Veterinary Clinic before coming out to our rehab center. Kerrville Veterinary Clinic PLLC.

Support our mission this summer and help us save our wildlife during the busiest time of year by making a tax deductible donation

PayPal.me/buckwildrescue
Venmo

05/22/2026

IMPORTANT PSA: This time of year, turtles are crossing roads looking for food, mates, or the perfect place to lay their eggs. Please keep an eye out while driving!

If you spot a turtle in the road:

Make sure you’re safe first - pull over carefully.

Move the turtle in the direction it was going, never back the way it came.

Don’t pick it up by the tail as it can hurt them!

For snappers, use a car mat or gently hold the back of the shell just over the hind legs. Do not pick them up by the front or sides of the shell as they have long necks and can bite.

Never take a turtle with you - just help it safely across.

Let’s keep them safe this season. 💚