Houston Storm Aftermath: Hundreds of SPCA Wildlife Treated After Destructive Storms Hit Southeast Texas

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Hundreds of wild animals have been taken to the Houston SPCA Wildlife Center as the city begins recovery efforts after the storm.

On Friday, the Wildlife Center said most of the animals being treated are baby birds and that officials expect the influx to continue over the coming days as Houstonians work to rebuild their homes.

AccuWeather, an Eyewitness News partner, said an estimated $5 billion to $7 billion in damage was caused when a powerful storm line passed through the Houston metro area. As of Friday, at least seven people had been killed across the city and Harris County.

Some of the smallest victims of natural storms need essential care. Here are important things to know when caring for an animal in distress, according to the Houston SPCA:

What to do with a wild animal?

• Carefully place the animal in a box with soft cloths and a bottle of warm, not hot, water, a rice sock, or a heating pad set at a low level until it is possible to bring it into safely at the Wildlife Center of Texas at the Houston SPCA.

• Never try to feed or give water to a wild animal in distress, as it could get water into its lungs or suffer other serious injuries.

• Place them in a warm, quiet environment away from usual household noise and pets until you can bring them to the center.

How can I help wildlife after a storm?

• Remove dirt and debris from birdbaths and fill them with clean water.

• Put extra birdseed or suet in your garden.

• Check under trees in your neighborhood for injured or orphaned wildlife hiding under fallen branches and bring them to the SPCA as soon as possible.

RELATED: Downtown Houston riddled with glass after storm tears out windows of high-rise buildings

For complete guidelines on how to help wildlife in poor conditions, visit the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center website.

You can also donate and help native wildlife here.