24/7 Emergency Phone Line

(604) 483-9787

If you have found an injured or orphaned wild animal, please call us immediately, and check our emergency info page.

Rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife on the Upper Sunshine Coast

The Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS) is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that works to locally rehabilitate and release hundreds of injured wild animals each year. Most of our in-house patients are birds, but we are able to assist all species in distress.

We serve the water-access only communities of Powell River, the qathet Regional District, the Lower Sunshine Coast, Texada, and nearby islands. We operate within the sacred and traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, who have used and occupied this land since time immemorial.

About Us

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For a regular dose of spectacular Powell River wildlife, join our Facebook group, which is over 4000+ followers strong!

Support our work

Each year, PROWLS rehabilitates over 500 patients. Help support our work today.

Volunteer with us

We value all skill sets and levels of experience. Learn more and get involved!

We provide hands-on experience and ecological expertise to our nearby communities

PROWLS is excited to offer professional medical care and rehabilitation to our patients, aiming to return them to their habitats where they can continue to contribute to our coastal biodiversity.

We are a member of the Wildlife Rehabilitators’ Network of BC, and we partner with MARS in Courtney, OWL in Delta, Critter Care in Langley, Wild ARC in Victoria and Northern Lights in Smithers to ensure our patients are professionally transferred to the facility in the province best equipped for their care when needed.

Our Services

Donate to support your wild neighbours!

At PROWLS, we treated over 500 injured wild animals last year alone! In addition to meeting whatever diverse medical needs our patients face, each species we house requires its own special habitat and diet during recovery.

Support Us

Pruning your hedges? Get it done by the first week of April to protect nesting birds

Our winter birds, from Anna’s hummingbirds to ravens and raptors, are already nesting! Many birds love to nest in dense hedges, and their homes can be difficult to spot through the foliage they prefer. To avoid disturbing them, please prune your hedges by the first week in April or wait for August. The hummingbird nests… Read More »Pruning your hedges? Get it done by the first week of April to protect nesting birds

PROWLS addresses dangers for songbirds

WINTER WONDERS: Even as we welcome back all the wonderful songbirds like dark-eyed juncos, song sparrows, golden-crowned sparrows, fox sparrows , chestnut-backed chickadees and spotted towhees that arrive in the fall and leave in the spring, we find they are frequently the victims of cat attacks. The resulting bacterial infection then requires a course of… Read More »PROWLS addresses dangers for songbirds

Your Bird Feeders: How to Prevent Infection and Guarantee Return Visitors!

With the warm weather arriving, it’s time to keep your birds feeders clean! Feeders can spread many diseases that can be fatal to new arrivals at the feeder. Whether it is seeds or hummingbird syrup, pathogens grow, so empty the feeders and wash them regularly.

Outbreak of salmonella in pine siskin population related to feeders

Birds Canada has noted a major interruption in pine siskins across North America in this winter of 2020/2021. PROWLS has also seen an increase in the number of pine siskins we have treated this season. What’s going on with the pine siskins? From Birds Canada: “Bird experts believe that a shortage of conifer seeds in… Read More »Outbreak of salmonella in pine siskin population related to feeders

PROWLS reminds residents to leave fawns alone

Only rarely do fawns need human help. The mothers have to forage for food and can be gone for up to six hours. During this time the fawn, waiting quietly, may need to get up and stretch but will soon settle down again. Fawns have no scent and do not attract predators. If truly concerned,… Read More »PROWLS reminds residents to leave fawns alone

Hummingbird Feeders: Don’t use honey!

Most of our hummingbirds are already back, and some are nesting! These birds are a spring and summer favourite, hovering around us and buzzing in and out of salmonberry and thimbleberry patches. Did you know that honey in hummingbird feeders causes a fungal infection that causes death? Also, the red mixture that many stores carry… Read More »Hummingbird Feeders: Don’t use honey!

Timing affects results: Don’t wait to call us!

Often those who discover birds that are nestlings, injured or displaying unusual behaviour decide to wait and see how it goes before calling PROWLS. Sometimes they call the next morning, or even in a few days. This is never a good idea. They should call right away. If it is a case of a cat… Read More »Timing affects results: Don’t wait to call us!