Louisiana incorporates much of the lower Mississippi River delta, which serves as the largest migratory flyway in the continental United States. Therefore, Louisiana also serves as a temporary home for many species of birds from Canada and the United States. Some of the species that reside in our state include threatened or endangered species, such as our national symbol, the bald eagle, and the state bird of Louisiana, the brown pelican.

Progress and expansion into previously uninhabited areas has placed extraneous pressures onto animal populations. Many species of animals now share their habitat with humans, altering their natural behavior and forcing them to adapt. As the number of human-animal exposures have increased, the number of wildlife mortalities and injuries have also increased. Human misconceptions of wildlife have also contributed to increased mortalities and injuries. For example, raptors are often shot as nuisance animals, even though they serve as competent vermin control. Industrial expansion and environmental pollution has also led to increased losses of our valuable wildlife.

The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has served as a primary center of treatment for raptors and wildlife since August 1982. During this time we have seen a steady increase in the number of cases presented to the facility. Case loads have increased almost 100% between 1997 and 2003! The Raptor and Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit is a non-profit facility and is supported through private and industrial donations.