LYNNWOOD – The PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Snohomish, WA has admitted and treated 23 bald eagles since January 2026, including two suffering from gunshot wounds, one with a wing injury and the other with a bill injury.
While many eagles arrive with unknown causes of injury, the most common cases stem from territorial fights. Since January, however, wildlife veterinarians have treated several eagles with gunshot-related injuries, underscoring the ongoing threats wildlife face in our region.
The PAWS rehabilitation team—comprised of expert veterinarians and skilled wildlife rehabilitators—provides daily care to a wide range of species with one goal: to return each animal to the wild where it belongs.
In addition to the bald eagles, current patients include a juvenile great horned owl suffering from severe eye swelling and a river otter pup that arrived weighing less than a pound—both receiving specialized care.
Spring marks “baby season” at PAWS, bringing a surge of orphaned and injured wildlife, alongside continued care for cats and dogs in the companion animal shelter. Many young animals, especially birds, require round-the-clock feeding and intensive support from staff and a dedicated team of volunteers.
From intake staff, veterinarians, rehabilitators to volunteers and the community members who bring animals in, this collective effort gives thousands of animals a second chance every year.
As PAWS prepares for Washington’s GiveBIG Day on May 5th, community support is critical to sustaining this lifesaving work for both wildlife and companion animals.
If you find an injured or orphaned wild animal, contact the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Snohomish at (425) 412-4040 for guidance.
About PAWS
The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) helps cats, dogs and wild animals go home and thrive—whether home is the family room or the forest. We do this by rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action for animals. For more than five decades, PAWS Companion Animal Shelter has led the way in providing expert, compassionate care for animals in need. PAWS cares for more than 4,000 dogs and cats each year, provides training and education to strengthen the human-animal bond, and works to end animal cruelty and overpopulation. For more information, visit paws.org.
Source: PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
