If you’ve ever come across an injured animal and felt unsure of what to do, you’re not alone.
Should you try to help? Should you leave it alone? It’s not always clear—and that’s exactly what an upcoming class aims to address.
On Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. in the Eagle Mountain City Council Chambers (1650 E Stagecoach Run), wildlife rehab expert Debbie Souza-Pappas will be in town to walk us through what to do—and what not to do—when we see a wild animal in trouble.
This class is part of the ongoing Wildlife and Nature Education (WANE) series, hosted by Eagle Mountain City in partnership with the Eagle Mountain Nature and Wildlife Alliance (EMNWA).
Debbie is a wildlife expert and the founder of Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation, a nonprofit based in Price, Utah that takes in sick, injured, and orphaned animals, everything from songbirds to porcupines. She’s also the first person in Utah to become a certified wildlife rehabilitator after the state introduced a testing requirement.
Helping wildlife isn’t as simple as giving them food or water, or even picking them up. Debbie will explain why that can often do more harm than good, and she’ll share ways you can truly help, including how to connect with the right people when an animal needs expert care.
Across Utah, there’s a network of licensed wildlife rehabilitators working to help animals in distress. In addition to Second Chance, groups like Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Enoch Wildlife Rescue, Great Basin Wildlife Rehabilitation, Uintah Raptor Rehab, and Wasatch Wildlife Conservation Center also provide expert care.
These organizations are permitted by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and play a key role in helping the public respond appropriately when wildlife is injured or orphaned.
Local voices weigh in
Bettina Cameron, cofounder of EMNWA, said she used to believe touching a baby bird meant its parents would abandon it.
“Debbie taught me that isn’t true,” Bettina said. “She also helped me understand that offering food or water to an injured animal can actually be dangerous. Debbie is always my go-to. She’s compassionate, smart, and professional.”
Marian Burningham, also with EMNWA, shared similar praise:
“Debbie is the epitome of selfless service. Watching her examine an animal is like watching a healer at work. She doesn’t just care—she has the training, the network, and the experience to make a real difference.”
Shon Reed, known locally for his work on the Eagle Mountain Kestrel Project, shared a touching story about a pair of owls that kept nesting in unsafe places. One year, their owlets ended up on the ground near a busy road.
“We organized a watch and were ready when the babies fell,” Shon said. “Both owlets were rescued and taken to Second Chance in Price. Debbie raised them until they could hunt on their own, and a volunteer brought one of them back to Eagle Mountain for release. It was amazing to see.”
You’re invited
This is a great chance to meet Debbie, hear her stories, and get your questions answered. If you’re curious about what to do when you find a wild animal in need, or just want to learn more about the work happening in our state, don’t miss it.
You can also learn more about Second Chance Wildlife Rehab or donate to support their work at secondchancewildliferehab.org.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.