Belz opens home to sick, injured wildlife

Trudy Belz says that if you just look at a flower, or a butterfly, even a weed you see God right there. This Unsung Hero is a certified wildlife rehabilitator. If a wild animal needs assistance, Trudy is the person to call.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lists all permitted wildlife rehabilitators in the state to help anyone who finds a wild animal in need of aid. Most rehabilitators work out of their homes and volunteer their time. No state funding is available to help these dedicated volunteers with the equipment, food and medical supplies that are almost always needed to care for the wild animals.

Compelled by her passion for nature and the environment, in 1990 Belz willingly converted her home and property in Texas City into a wildlife rehab center for sick and injured wildlife. At that point, she began a three-year journey to become a certified rehabilitator.

Trudy says she just kept finding baby birds. So she decided to find out how to care for them. This was no easy task. Both state and federal statues regulate the activities of wildlife rehabilitators and an application must be made to the state for a permit.

Applications must be accompanied by evidence of completion one of several courses, attendance at a department-sponsored wildlife rehabilitation conference or membership in a state or national wildlife rehabilitation organization. In lieu of these, a test score of 80 or above on a department-administered wildlife rehabilitation examination is also acceptable. Applicants must have two letters of recommendation from a conservation scientists, game warden, licensed veterinarian or other permitted wildlife rehabilitators.

Birds are Trudy’s specialty. She says that on average, she cares for about 600 wild birds a year. People call her home for assistance late into the night. It is not uncommon for her to receive anywhere from 20 to 40 calls a day. Trudy says that baby birds have to be fed every 15 minutes and her days are often 16 to 18 hours long as she cares for the birds.

Texas Parks and Wildlife reminds the public that most rehabilitators gratefully accept donations toward the care of wild animals. But in the case of Trudy, the subject of donations and resources are not major issues. What concerns her are the risks to animals when people or pet stores, in particular, fail to call a wildlife rehabilitator to treat wild animals. Trudy invites people in the immediate Galveston area to call her anytime at (409) 948-6262 if they have an injured or orphaned bird. She says folks outside her area should contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education hotline at (713) 643-WILD.

Belz’ interests in wildlife encompasses a much wider vision. She hopes that through her efforts people are inspired to be better environmental stewards.