Follow the steps outlined on this page below to determine your next steps or contact us immediately if there is an emergency.
For wildlife emergency call
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
850-684-1485
or for after hours call
FWC
1-888-404-3922.
We are currently seeking interested like-minded Professionals and Philanthropists to serve on our very active board of directors. Please contact us for more information 850-684-1485
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Rather than selling that car, truck, boat, or WaveRunner that needs to go…please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation of the vehicle to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge to support us in our mission.
Stock donations, planned gifts and endowments are an excellent way to make meaningful donations to your Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, and can also have positive tax-savings advantages for the donor. Please talk with ECWR Director at 850-684-1485 for further information on how you can help build your Wildlife Refuge’s future and leave a lasting legacy!
Follow the steps outlined on this page below to determine your next steps or contact us immediately if there is an emergency.
For wildlife emergency call
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
850-684-1485
or for after hours call
FWC
1-888-404-3922.
Part of the charm of the Emerald Coast area is the abundance of wildlife that is found here. Pelicans drifting across the horizon can be viewed daily. You can often find dolphins playing in the bay. And you can always see rabbits, birds, squirrels, deer or even bear in your own backyard, especially during the spring and summer when many animals are born. Sometimes you may find an adult animal that is hurt or a baby animal that is orphaned. When that happens the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is available to assist all Florida native species from owls to sea turtles to whales.
Wildlife is a vital part of Florida’s ecosystem, and a healthy ecosystem in turn benefits our own health and well being.
An essential part of the ECWR mission is to educate and encourage environmental responsibility including the appreciation of native wildlife.
As growth and development continue in our area, encounters and conflicts with native animals are bound to occur. The Wildlife Refuge provides well-reasoned, effective, and humane solutions to conflicts with wildlife.
If each of us learn more about the natural history and behaviors of our local native animals, we might discover that a “nuisance” animal is in an essential element of the eco-system.
Remember it is easier to change human behavior than to change the behaviors of wildlife.
If you find an animal in need of help, follow these steps to ensure the safety of both the animal and you. Remember, injured animals are usually scared and they may bite or scratch out of fear. ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHENEVER DEALING WITH WILD ANIMALS.
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, NEVER HANDLE AN ANIMAL BEFORE CONSULTING WITH A WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR.
The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, located at 105 Santa Rosa Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach, FL is open 7 days a week from 8am-4pm with an after-hours emergency line.
For wildlife emergency call
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
850-684-1485
or for after hours call
FWC
1-888-404-3922.
For some more compassionate and humane solutions to coexisting with our wild neighbors please contact the ECWR at 850-684-1485.