Local Wildlife
In Santa Cruz County, we are blessed with incredible animal diversity — in our companion animals, and among the wild creatures that inhabit our backyards, beaches, and forests. For example, raccoons, opossums, and skunks exist in every neighborhood in Santa Cruz County, and have adapted very well to the arrival of humans in rural and previously undeveloped areas of their habitat. Each and every animal serves a specific purpose in our local ecosystems, and not one is insignificant.
Because all animals need us to help protect them, the Santa Cruz SPCA’s “All Creatures” humane education program teaches children to respect all animals in our community, from the giant blue whales that swim off our coast to the tiny insects that live in our yards. It’s important to remember that we share a habitat with our wild neighbors and even if they become a nuisance, we should treat them with kindness and respect.
We also provide connections to organizations, such as Native Animal Rescue (NAR), that can provide advice on co-existing with wildlife and help you deal with uninvited animal guests.
Who to call if you find injured or ill:
Marine Mammals
In Santa Cruz County, report a distressed marine mammal:
831-633-6298
Outside of Santa Cruz County, report a distressed marine mammal:
415-289-7325
Sea Birds
Capitola City and Beach
831-471-1141
New Brighton State Beach
831-464-3660
Sea Cliff State Beach
831-685-6447
Sunset State Beach
831-763-7063
Manresa State Beach
831-761-1795
Oiled Birds
Oiled Wildlife Care Center Wildlife Reporting Hotline
877-823-6926
Rescue Instructions
Native Animals (birds, squirrels, racoons, etc.)
1855 17th Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-462-0726
*Call ahead and leave message about what you will be bringing and when.
*Bring the animal directly to Native Animal Rescue (address above).
Adult Mammals (deer, mountain lion, etc.)
Santa Cruz County Animal Services
2200 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-454-7200
831-471-1182 (after hours)
2601 Chanticleer Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(P) 831-465-5000 (F) 831-479-8530
Mon & Tues - CLOSED
Animal Browsing Wed to Sun 11am - 5pm
*PET FOOD PANTRY - Fridays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. Our organization is not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society.
Tax ID: 94-6171565
© 2017 Santa Cruz SPCA