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![As you may know, Wild Welcome is the education project of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, a wildlife rehabilitation hospital that serves both Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
But what is Wildlife Rehab?
In a sentence, it is the practice of providing aid to injured or displaced wild animals with the goal of returning them healthy to the wild.
Did you know you can read real patient stories of wildlife on our Wild Welcome webpage? Additionally, learn more about the wildlife rehabilitation origins of Wild Welcome and our Wild 5 Challenge on our webpage. Link in bio.
#SBWCN #WildlifeRehab #Wild5Challenge #Coexistwithwildlife @sbwildlifecarenetwork #WildWelcome]()
As you may know, Wild Welcome is the education project of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, a wildlife rehabilitation hospital that serves both Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. But what is Wildlife Rehab? In a sentence, it is the practice of providing aid to injured or displaced wild animals with the goal of returning them healthy to the wild. Did you know you can read real patient stories of wildlife on our Wild Welcome webpage? Additionally, learn more about the wildlife rehabilitation origins of Wild Welcome and our Wild 5 Challenge on our webpage. Link in bio. #SBWCN #WildlifeRehab #Wild5Challenge #Coexistwithwildlife @sbwildlifecarenetwork #WildWelcomeButton -
![While some species are charismatic, the majority are not. Between animals that you just don't know about, to ones not yet discovered, there are many ways species can lack charisma or social presence.
But they are still important and interwoven into a web of cohabitation with charismatic species and people. Often, the protections of charismatic species also benefit the unknown species that live in close ecological relationship with them.
Additionally species charisma is more a social construct than a scientific law. One species may be charismatic in one community and unknown in another. These categories are determined by the many sociocultural factors that go into making social life.
Next time you are out and about, pay attention to the species you notice, and wonder about the ones you don’t. Have fun exploring our biodiverse world.
#charismaticspecies #unknownspecies #wildwelcome #MultispeciesHistory #sociallivesofwildlife #learnaboutwildlife]()
While some species are charismatic, the majority are not. Between animals that you just don't know about, to ones not yet discovered, there are many ways species can lack charisma or social presence. But they are still important and interwoven into a web of cohabitation with charismatic species and people. Often, the protections of charismatic species also benefit the unknown species that live in close ecological relationship with them. Additionally species charisma is more a social construct than a scientific law. One species may be charismatic in one community and unknown in another. These categories are determined by the many sociocultural factors that go into making social life. Next time you are out and about, pay attention to the species you notice, and wonder about the ones you don’t. Have fun exploring our biodiverse world. #charismaticspecies #unknownspecies #wildwelcome #MultispeciesHistory #sociallivesofwildlife #learnaboutwildlifeButton -
![Join @sbwildlifecarenetwork in Santa Barbara on Sunday October 5th at 3:00pm for a local showing of Wild Rescue in the Granada Theatre!
Tickets on sale now through the Granada Website, or through the following link: https://ticketing.granadasb.org/21234
When: October 5th, at 3:00 PM
Where: Granada Theatre
Tickets: $10 Student/Senior * $25 Adult * $50 VIP
#WildRescueMovie #GranadaTheatre #SupportWildlife #SBWCN #WildlifeRehab]()
Join @sbwildlifecarenetwork in Santa Barbara on Sunday October 5th at 3:00pm for a local showing of Wild Rescue in the Granada Theatre! Tickets on sale now through the Granada Website, or through the following link: https://ticketing.granadasb.org/21234 When: October 5th, at 3:00 PM Where: Granada Theatre Tickets: $10 Student/Senior * $25 Adult * $50 VIP #WildRescueMovie #GranadaTheatre #SupportWildlife #SBWCN #WildlifeRehabButton -
![Some charismatic species are unfortunately in the public eye for the wrong reasons. Infamous species are ones who are vilified or feared in pop culture.
The reasons for this are varied, complex, and unique to the species and its local and social his
tory. One thing is common across all these cases however, and that is there are real consequences for the species.
Species who are particularly visible in day to day living are especially endangered as they can be considered a threat or a pest.
Often it is important to remember that wildlife has a long and intertwined life amongst people. These species can have adapted to live amongst cities and towns and may also be important actors in our ecosystem.
This is part 3 of a series on species and charisma. For parts 1 and 2, scroll through our page.
#WildWelcome #CharismaticSpecies #MultispeciesHistory #InfamousAnimals #InfamousSpecies #LovedSpecies #CoexistWithWildlife]()
Some charismatic species are unfortunately in the public eye for the wrong reasons. Infamous species are ones who are vilified or feared in pop culture. The reasons for this are varied, complex, and unique to the species and its local and social his tory. One thing is common across all these cases however, and that is there are real consequences for the species. Species who are particularly visible in day to day living are especially endangered as they can be considered a threat or a pest. Often it is important to remember that wildlife has a long and intertwined life amongst people. These species can have adapted to live amongst cities and towns and may also be important actors in our ecosystem. This is part 3 of a series on species and charisma. For parts 1 and 2, scroll through our page. #WildWelcome #CharismaticSpecies #MultispeciesHistory #InfamousAnimals #InfamousSpecies #LovedSpecies #CoexistWithWildlifeButton -
![Gear up for a wild week!
On Sep 4th, celebrate national wildlife day by learning how you can be a wildlife hero, take our Wild 5 Challenge today! Link in bio.
September 7th is California Biodiversity Day, celebrate with us by getting out and noticing as many species as you can! Did you know that the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network treats 220 different species a year, can you see that many in a day?
@sbwildlifecarenetwork #SBWCN #NationalWildlifeDay #CaliforniaBiodiversityDay #CoexistWithWildlife]()
Gear up for a wild week! On Sep 4th, celebrate national wildlife day by learning how you can be a wildlife hero, take our Wild 5 Challenge today! Link in bio. September 7th is California Biodiversity Day, celebrate with us by getting out and noticing as many species as you can! Did you know that the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network treats 220 different species a year, can you see that many in a day? @sbwildlifecarenetwork #SBWCN #NationalWildlifeDay #CaliforniaBiodiversityDay #CoexistWithWildlifeButton -
![Species that are popular in social life and visible in our day to day lives will more often garner more attention in conservation spaces.
Michael Soulé, a foundational figure in conservation biology argues that “we save those we love,” essentially highlighting the connection between wildlife conservation and care, and a species’ presence in social life.
This can be particularly great for charismatic species who are threatened and endangered. Many of our conservation and success stories over the last century are due to how much public support and care they receive. Some species like the trumpeter swan and the bald eagle were brought back from threateningly low population numbers and now live comfortably.
This is part 2 of a series on species and charisma. For part one, scroll through our page.
#WildWelcome #CharismaticSpecies #ConservationHistory #ConservationSuccess #LovedSpecies #CoexistWithWildlife]()
Species that are popular in social life and visible in our day to day lives will more often garner more attention in conservation spaces. Michael Soulé, a foundational figure in conservation biology argues that “we save those we love,” essentially highlighting the connection between wildlife conservation and care, and a species’ presence in social life. This can be particularly great for charismatic species who are threatened and endangered. Many of our conservation and success stories over the last century are due to how much public support and care they receive. Some species like the trumpeter swan and the bald eagle were brought back from threateningly low population numbers and now live comfortably. This is part 2 of a series on species and charisma. For part one, scroll through our page. #WildWelcome #CharismaticSpecies #ConservationHistory #ConservationSuccess #LovedSpecies #CoexistWithWildlifeButton -
![What do the animals in the photo all have in common? Scroll through or read below to find out!
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Charismatic species such as the animals above are complicated because of how visible and integrated into (human) social life and culture they are. There are many ways a species can be charismatic and in the public zeitgeist, unfortunately not all of these ways are beneficial for the animal. Over the next few weeks, look forward to some posts continuing this deep dive into charismatic species.
#CharismaticSpecies #Coexistwithwildlife #protectwildlife #urbanwildlife]()
What do the animals in the photo all have in common? Scroll through or read below to find out! . . . . . . Charismatic species such as the animals above are complicated because of how visible and integrated into (human) social life and culture they are. There are many ways a species can be charismatic and in the public zeitgeist, unfortunately not all of these ways are beneficial for the animal. Over the next few weeks, look forward to some posts continuing this deep dive into charismatic species. #CharismaticSpecies #Coexistwithwildlife #protectwildlife #urbanwildlifeButton -
![As August wraps up and Halloween approaches, be sure to make wildlife-aware decoration choices this season. Avoid plastic leaves, dangling decor, and fake spider webs around your home.
Fake spider webs especially, are harmful to wildlife as birds, small mammals, and lizards can easily be caught in them and tangled up. Learn more ways to be wildlife-safe by taking our Wild 5 challenge found on Wild Welcome's website.
#coexistwithwildlife #livingwithwildlife #Wild5Challenge #DoYouWild5? #WildlifeSafe #SeasonalDecorTips #HalloweenDecor #DitchFakeSpiderWebs]()
As August wraps up and Halloween approaches, be sure to make wildlife-aware decoration choices this season. Avoid plastic leaves, dangling decor, and fake spider webs around your home. Fake spider webs especially, are harmful to wildlife as birds, small mammals, and lizards can easily be caught in them and tangled up. Learn more ways to be wildlife-safe by taking our Wild 5 challenge found on Wild Welcome's website. #coexistwithwildlife #livingwithwildlife #Wild5Challenge #DoYouWild5? #WildlifeSafe #SeasonalDecorTips #HalloweenDecor #DitchFakeSpiderWebsButton -
![Guillemots are members of the Auk family, a group of seabirds who have evolved to make the most of their lives with the ocean. Their legs attach much lower on their skeleton than birds who spend more time over land. This helps their maneuverability in the water when floating, swimming, or diving.
Of course, this also means that they are auk-ward when on land. If you are lucky enough to spot one, give these special birds the space they need to feel safe, and always make sure your furry friends are leashed so as not to bother them.
Visit @sbwildlifecarenetwork to see a Pigeon Guillemot we had in care before his successful release.
#BirdAdaptations #PigeonGuillemot #AukFamily #WildlifeFacts #Seabirds #wild5challenge #wildwelcome]()
Guillemots are members of the Auk family, a group of seabirds who have evolved to make the most of their lives with the ocean. Their legs attach much lower on their skeleton than birds who spend more time over land. This helps their maneuverability in the water when floating, swimming, or diving. Of course, this also means that they are auk-ward when on land. If you are lucky enough to spot one, give these special birds the space they need to feel safe, and always make sure your furry friends are leashed so as not to bother them. Visit @sbwildlifecarenetwork to see a Pigeon Guillemot we had in care before his successful release. #BirdAdaptations #PigeonGuillemot #AukFamily #WildlifeFacts #Seabirds #wild5challenge #wildwelcomeButton -
![Not all that slithers is snake. Legless lizards are lizards who have evolved not to have arms or legs. However these guys are both genetically and physically distinct from snakes. Some of their differences are external, with legless lizards having visible ear openings, eyelids, and a notched tongue.
There are also internal differences, legless lizards will have two lungs of roughly the same size and a fused jaw.
Which snakes and legless lizards do you have in your neighborhood?
[Photos: Slow Worm (Legless Lizard) above; Rosy Boa (Snake) below]
#Snake #LeglessLizard #CoexistWithWildlife #RosyBoa #SlowWorm #AnimalFacts #WildlifeNeighbors]()
Not all that slithers is snake. Legless lizards are lizards who have evolved not to have arms or legs. However these guys are both genetically and physically distinct from snakes. Some of their differences are external, with legless lizards having visible ear openings, eyelids, and a notched tongue. There are also internal differences, legless lizards will have two lungs of roughly the same size and a fused jaw. Which snakes and legless lizards do you have in your neighborhood? [Photos: Slow Worm (Legless Lizard) above; Rosy Boa (Snake) below] #Snake #LeglessLizard #CoexistWithWildlife #RosyBoa #SlowWorm #AnimalFacts #WildlifeNeighborsButton -
![Snowy Plovers are complex birds. Listed as “Nearly Threatened” by the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, this designation is a global assessment. On the west coast and in California specifically, snowy plovers are considered a threatened species and have special protections in place.
One of the reasons for concern is that plovers nest directly on sand, their eggs are continuously at risk. Massive infrastructure and development, along with a bustling tourism industry on the west coast in the last century, has placed their nesting sites in the center of constant change.
Today, environmentalists and wildlife monitors work to keep known snowy plover breeding grounds safe from outside interference.
What other animals would you imagine have complex statuses?
#SnowyPlover #CharadriusNivosus #ComplexSpecies #WildlifeFacts #ThreatenedSpecies]()
Snowy Plovers are complex birds. Listed as “Nearly Threatened” by the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, this designation is a global assessment. On the west coast and in California specifically, snowy plovers are considered a threatened species and have special protections in place. One of the reasons for concern is that plovers nest directly on sand, their eggs are continuously at risk. Massive infrastructure and development, along with a bustling tourism industry on the west coast in the last century, has placed their nesting sites in the center of constant change. Today, environmentalists and wildlife monitors work to keep known snowy plover breeding grounds safe from outside interference. What other animals would you imagine have complex statuses? #SnowyPlover #CharadriusNivosus #ComplexSpecies #WildlifeFacts #ThreatenedSpeciesButton -
![August 14 is National Lizard Day, be sure to thank your local lizards for their invaluable ecosystem services. Lizards are prolific insect predators but did you know they also play a role in seed dispersal and pollination?
In California, the most frequently sighted animal is the Western Fence Lizard according to iNaturalist. The Western Fence Lizard is a small and relatively confident lizard so it doesn’t spook easily, which most likely has contributed to its high observation count.
What is your most sighted wildlife?
#Mostsighted #WesternFenceLizard #SceloporusOccidentalis #CommonWildLife #WildNeighbors #WildWelcome]()
August 14 is National Lizard Day, be sure to thank your local lizards for their invaluable ecosystem services. Lizards are prolific insect predators but did you know they also play a role in seed dispersal and pollination? In California, the most frequently sighted animal is the Western Fence Lizard according to iNaturalist. The Western Fence Lizard is a small and relatively confident lizard so it doesn’t spook easily, which most likely has contributed to its high observation count. What is your most sighted wildlife? #Mostsighted #WesternFenceLizard #SceloporusOccidentalis #CommonWildLife #WildNeighbors #WildWelcomeButton -
![? Reel Responsibly: Protect Wildlife
Discarded fishing gear might not seem like a big deal but to wildlife, it can be fatal. Tangled lines, loose hooks, and lead sinkers can injure birds, turtles, mammals, and even curious pets.
Here’s how to fish with wildlife in mind:
✅ Use barbless hooks for safer catch-and-release
✅ Choose biodegradable line when possible
✅ Skip the lead weights and go non-toxic instead
✅ Always clean up and pack out old gear
✅ Teach kids to fish with care and respect
Whether you fish lakes, rivers, or the coast, a little awareness goes a long way. Every clean cast and thoughtful cleanup helps protect the wild neighbors we share these waters with.
? Learn more tips at wildwelcome.com/living/fishing-gear
#WildWelcome #LivingWithWildlife #ReelResponsibly #WildlifeFriendlyFishing]()
🎣 Reel Responsibly: Protect Wildlife Discarded fishing gear might not seem like a big deal but to wildlife, it can be fatal. Tangled lines, loose hooks, and lead sinkers can injure birds, turtles, mammals, and even curious pets. Here’s how to fish with wildlife in mind: ✅ Use barbless hooks for safer catch-and-release ✅ Choose biodegradable line when possible ✅ Skip the lead weights and go non-toxic instead ✅ Always clean up and pack out old gear ✅ Teach kids to fish with care and respect Whether you fish lakes, rivers, or the coast, a little awareness goes a long way. Every clean cast and thoughtful cleanup helps protect the wild neighbors we share these waters with. 👉 Learn more tips at wildwelcome.com/living/fishing-gear #WildWelcome #LivingWithWildlife #ReelResponsibly #WildlifeFriendlyFishingButton -
![? Why Bird Boxes Matter
As natural nesting spaces disappear, bird boxes are more than just decor, they’re vital shelter. Before you pick one, think about who visits your yard (or who you hope will!).
Different birds = different box needs:
? Robins, thrushes, and blackbirds love open-front styles
? Sparrows and other small birds prefer cozy, small entrances for safety
The right home can help protect nesting birds and bring native species back season after season.
Even one well-placed box can change a bird’s life.
? Read more at wildwelcome.com/living/bird-boxes
#WildWelcome #BirdBoxBasics #LivingWithWildlife #NativeBirds #BirdNesting #SupportWildlife #CoexistWithWildlife]()
🪺 Why Bird Boxes Matter As natural nesting spaces disappear, bird boxes are more than just decor, they’re vital shelter. Before you pick one, think about who visits your yard (or who you hope will!). Different birds = different box needs: 📭 Robins, thrushes, and blackbirds love open-front styles 🔒 Sparrows and other small birds prefer cozy, small entrances for safety The right home can help protect nesting birds and bring native species back season after season. Even one well-placed box can change a bird’s life. 💡 Read more at wildwelcome.com/living/bird-boxes #WildWelcome #BirdBoxBasics #LivingWithWildlife #NativeBirds #BirdNesting #SupportWildlife #CoexistWithWildlifeButton -
![Goose Spotlight ? Did you know this about our wetland neighbors?
Geese form lifelong bonds and care for their young as a team
? They can recognize individual human faces and remember them over time
? Their grazing and seed spreading help maintain healthy wetlands
❄️ Specialized feet keep them warm in cold water
? They face real risks from pollution and discarded fishing line
Often spotted near lakes and open fields, geese are intelligent, social birds who play an important role in our ecosystems. By learning more about geese, we can create safer spaces where people and wildlife can thrive together.
? Find more intresting facts at wildwelcome.com/animals-around-us
#WildWelcome #MeetYourWildNeighbors #GeeseOfInstagram #SantaBarbaraWildlife #CoexistWithWildlife #RespectWildlife #UrbanWildlife #WetlandLife]()
Goose Spotlight 🌟 Did you know this about our wetland neighbors? Geese form lifelong bonds and care for their young as a team 🧠 They can recognize individual human faces and remember them over time 🌾 Their grazing and seed spreading help maintain healthy wetlands ❄️ Specialized feet keep them warm in cold water 🚮 They face real risks from pollution and discarded fishing line Often spotted near lakes and open fields, geese are intelligent, social birds who play an important role in our ecosystems. By learning more about geese, we can create safer spaces where people and wildlife can thrive together. 🔗 Find more intresting facts at wildwelcome.com/animals-around-us #WildWelcome #MeetYourWildNeighbors #GeeseOfInstagram #SantaBarbaraWildlife #CoexistWithWildlife #RespectWildlife #UrbanWildlife #WetlandLifeButton -
![What does hope look like?
This baby barn owl’s journey reflects the heart of Wild Rescue—a story of healing, resilience, and return.
While its tale isn’t featured in the film, it mirrors the countless wild lives touched by wildlife rehabilitators every day.
The film is a tribute to those many small victories and the people who make them possible.
This patients jouney is real story from @sbwildlifecarenetwork
? Trailer: www.wildrescuemovie.com
? Theaters: www.wildwelcome.com/wild-rescue-movie#locations
#WildRescueMovie #BarnOwl #WildlifeRescue #AnimalHope #CosmicPicture]()
What does hope look like? This baby barn owl’s journey reflects the heart of Wild Rescue—a story of healing, resilience, and return. While its tale isn’t featured in the film, it mirrors the countless wild lives touched by wildlife rehabilitators every day. The film is a tribute to those many small victories and the people who make them possible. This patients jouney is real story from @sbwildlifecarenetwork 🎥 Trailer: www.wildrescuemovie.com 📍 Theaters: www.wildwelcome.com/wild-rescue-movie#locations #WildRescueMovie #BarnOwl #WildlifeRescue #AnimalHope #CosmicPictureButton
![Not all that slithers is snake. Legless lizards are lizards who have evolved not to have arms or legs. However these guys are both genetically and physically distinct from snakes. Some of their differences are external, with legless lizards having visible ear openings, eyelids, and a notched tongue.
There are also internal differences, legless lizards will have two lungs of roughly the same size and a fused jaw.
Which snakes and legless lizards do you have in your neighborhood?
[Photos: Slow Worm (Legless Lizard) above; Rosy Boa (Snake) below]
#Snake #LeglessLizard #CoexistWithWildlife #RosyBoa #SlowWorm #AnimalFacts #WildlifeNeighbors](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/534811942_17873772696406201_4484325542745272248_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=nkV4c_ZTL40Q7kNvwH6Gv2_&_nc_oc=AdnNQaLYA1JhNhmTHHJru0Ba_hM36BaxVPAl1N4ochf1Sqm6zVAqWF2uyCrrvbe2Iak&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=UvK7FmDKyjTxvdhqV3NIXQ&oh=00_AfaDuOQa4IkDiZvT4ZHATergyKzN8dIlQvVt_3JdxztGWQ&oe=68D1DC37)
