Citizens can now help state environmental scientists and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) monitor wildlife populations with a new online tool to directly report incidents of fish and wildlife mortality, according to a release from the CDFW.
The important information is necessary to evaluate populations and can also help prevent and control emerging diseases.
“The CDFW Wildlife Investigations Lab is asking for this information so we
can be one step ahead of a potential disease outbreak or other health concern,” CDFW Environmental Scientist Lora Konde said. “If we don’t know about it, we can’t do anything about it.”
The CDFW is particularly interested in reports of dead animals with no visible injuries and sick or dead animals. Animals found in unusual locations are also of interest to report, and/or more than five sick or dead animals at one location.
There are three ways to submit wildlife information:
- Online: The preferred method to submit information is using the new mortality reporting form found on the CDFW webpage. The form asks for information regarding observation date, name and contact information, what kind of animal was found and where. Photographs may be uploaded as well.
The form is meant to be submitted online, but can also be filled out manually, printed and faxed to the Wildlife Investigations Lab at (916) 358-2814.
- Smartphone: A smartphone “app” is currently unavailable, but the mortality reporting form on the CDFW website is phone-enabled and can be submitted directly from a smartphone.
- Email: Wildlife reports can also be sent via email to the Wildlife Investigations Lab email at cdfwnews@wildlife.ca.gov.
For health concerns, the CDWF advises to not touch a sick, injured or dead animal. If you find an injured or sick animal, you can contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitation center.
Citizen science through public contribution is encouraged and greatly appreciated by CDFW.
“When people are going about their daily activities and they keep an eye out in the field for sick or dead animals and take the time to report it to us, it is very helpful. The public’s input is an extra resource to support this monitoring effort and keep wildlife populations healthy,” Konde explained.