Baby turkey vulture rescued from Big Sur wildfires after being found alone on Highway 1
BIG SUR, Calif. -- A baby turkey vulture rescued from wildfires in Big Sur is now safe and recovering at a local wildlife center in Salinas.
The bird was found by a California State Parks ranger along a closed stretch of State Route 1 near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur and taken on Tuesday to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center run by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for Monterey County, where it is now recovering, the SPCA said in a press release Wednesday.
The SPCA's wildlife rescue specialists believe that the vulture, which is just 40 to 50 days old and a full 1,200 grams lighter than a fully grown adult vulture, was forced to grow its flight feathers prematurely to escape the conditions of the nearby Timber Fire.
According to the SPCA, turkey vultures typically begin fledging between 63 to 77 days of age, meaning the baby vulture left its nest at least two weeks early.
The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, an organization that establishes care standards for wild animals, says young birds that leave the nest before they are fully prepared can face challenges finding food, avoiding predators and surviving on their own.
However, with the care of wildlife specialists at the SPCA Wildlife Center, the vulture is expected to make a full recovery.
MORE: How rescuers saved 2 beloved condors trapped in Big Sur wildfire
The SPCA functions as a first responder during disasters and is providing emergency support for all animals impacted by the Timber and Plaskett wildfires in Monterey County. It is currently sheltering 15 evacuated animals displaced by the fires.
Evacuation orders remain in place in parts of Monterey County as crews battle the Timber and Plaskett fires.
The SPCA urges Monterey County residents to bring their pets with them if it is safe to do so during evacuation events and also encourages residents not currently in evacuation zones to make disaster plans for their animals.
As of Thursday morning, the Timber Fire was at 25,226 acres and 23% contained, while the Plaskett Fire was at 29,123 acres and 1% contained, according to CAL FIRE.
