Since August, the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center has rescued 36 common murres. 

The rescued common murres are emaciated, have poor feather quality, and are hypothermic. Our skilled wildlife rescue staff are providing essential fluids, medication, and specialized nutrition to stabilize these fragile birds. Most of the common murres are young. As an open-admission shelter dedicated to all animals in need, the SPCA is the only local resource equipped to provide this level of specialized care for our county’s wildlife. 

Common murres are sleek, black-and-white pelagic birds often mistaken for penguins when seen on shore. Because they spend their lives at sea, finding them on a local beach is a clear sign of serious distress.

We need your help. Please donate to help us care for rescued wildlife and contact us if you see a common murre in need of rescue. 

How You Can Help: 

• Donate at www.spcamc.org/wild 
• Safe Containment: Use a towel or blanket to safely and gently pick up the bird and place it in a well-ventilated box and bring the bird to us. Learn more at www.spcamc.org/wildlife 
• Call and Monitor: If you cannot safely contain the bird, please call the SPCA Wildlife Center directly at 831-264-5427 during normal business hours and stay near the bird to track its location while we respond.